Oakdale is known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, so this weekend’s observance of National Day of the America Cowboy should rope in plenty of participants.

Oakdale Cowboy Museum Executive Director Christie Camarillo said in 2005, a resolution was sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Wyoming’s late U.S. Senator, Craig Thomas, that the National Day of the American Cowboy be a day set aside to celebrate the contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage.

“We celebrate the cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans,” said former President Bush.

This celebration has caught on across the USA, and festivities from rodeos, picnics, cattle drives, wagon races and even cow chip tosses will be held on this day. Members of the Oakdale Saddle Club and the Oakdale Cowboy Museum will join together to celebrate the 11th Anniversary of the National Day of the American Cowboy on Saturday, July 25 at the Oakdale Saddle Club Arena on East F Street.

Spectators will enjoy a real western experience for the entire family with a Ranch Rodeo beginning at 8 a.m.

“You will see cowboys and cowgirls working against the clock in a team effort to show their skills at sorting, doctoring and calf branding,” said Camarillo. “The calf branding will forego the usual firepot and be accomplished with chalk powder. These are all daily tasks for these contestants but when you’re working to be the fastest, things can happen.”

Also planned during the day is a free Dutch oven cooking demonstration with samples as well as a snacks and beverages available for purchase. The competition should last until noon, the early start time and noontime finish designed to beat the heat for both contestants and livestock. The public is invited to come out and cheer on the cowboys.

Admission is free.