The Symbiosis Festival has come and gone … and this weekend features an event a little more in line with the ‘Cowboy Capital’ – as the city plays host to its first Western Days festival, sponsored by the Oakdale Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

With attendees encouraged to ‘Find Your Country’ by attending the festival, activities are planned both Friday night, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1.

The Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds will host a concert on Friday night along with dance lessons and the Saturday events including a sanctioned International Chili Cook Off, a number of musical performances, dancing demonstrations, and a chance for attendees to sample some of the chili to see if they agree with the judging panel on the top tasting dish. There will also be a mechanical bull and carriage rides and both days will feature food and western vendors.

OTVB Administrator Pam Dumas said that the organization wanted a cowboy themed event to go with the city’s motto of being the Cowboy Capital of the World and the Western Days celebration was selected.

Tickets for Friday night’s concert are available online at www.visitoakdale.com or by calling the Oakdale Tourism and Visitors Bureau at (209) 345-9264. Tickets will also be available at the gate the night of the show.