Bring the Wild West to Life

Looking for something to do with the kids? Well if you live out West and like a little kookiness with your education pie, look no further. Circle the wagons. Lasso the kids. And hop on over to Elko, Nevada, for a truly unique experience.

Every year, the Western Folklife Center offers families the opportunity to experience the traditional arts of the West. More than 60 poets and musical groups descend on Elko for a week of performances, ranch dances, storytelling, late-night jam sessions, and workshops. Dubbed the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, it's actually one of hundreds of cowboy poetry gatherings across the country. But it's the biggest. And many say, the best.

In addition to lots of home-on-the-range entertainment, the gathering offers workshops galore – many of them aimed specifically at kids. Children can learn to churn homemade ice-cream, braid a miniature rawhide whip, or create their very own cowboy-que rhymes.

Sure it's a little strange. But what a great way to bring history to life. Just ask the U.S. Senate. In the year 2000, they actually passed a resolution naming the Cowboy Poetry Gathering the "National" Cowboy Poetry Gathering –pointing to the fact that the event has caused a renaissance in interest in the great Wild West.

So send Dad over to the workshop on mole cheese enchiladas. And Mom, go learn how to rope a horse. Make your way to Elko for a shot at breathing some life into your child's history lesson.

The Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place in Elko, Nevada, from January 26–February 1. For more information, click on www.westernfolklife.org.