Alzada show draws large crowd

The 28th Annual Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show held on October 1 at the Alzada Hall was a success according to organizers. The proceeds from lunch and donations were greater than last year and over 150 people enjoyed the day. Proceeds from the event are used to pay the yearly insurance on the hall, built in 1929, and other upkeep expenses.

Twenty-four performers whose ages spanned 80 years performed at the afternoon program. Young Gus Dennis, Red Owl, SD was a part of the Dennis group with included his father, Chance, and grandfather, Robert "Bob." He sang and played the guitar. Performers and artists came from Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Sixteen artists displayed quilts, silverwork, braiding, and paintings in various mediums as well as other needle arts. Featured artist, Devin Hodges, showed her western scene painted with coffee along with pictures she had composed on the computer and other oil paintings.

Other features, Annie Brimmer, Biddle, MT, played old favorites on the accordion and poets, Rhonda Stearns, Newcastle, WY, and Hap Stuart, Sundance, WY, shared their wonderful poems.

The program was started by Bob Petermann, who led the audience in singing God Bless America. Petermann provided the sound system, Teri Rae McInerney served as emcee, and Chuck and Kellie Waterland served as kitchen chairman. Community members provided the food served that day.

Co-Chairmen, Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin, have already started planning the 2018 show that is set for October 7, 2018. The theme will be "Why we do this," which was prompted by the friendships and continued support the show has received over the years.

This year, Don Seaman, husband of the late Phillis Seaman, brought one of her original paintings to be auctioned off and half the proceeds went to the show. Phillis showed her artwork for many, many years at the Alzada event. Don also shared his talent by playing an old harmonica for the receptive audience.

For more information, please contact Gay Arpan (307-828-4517), karpan@rangewed.net or Chris Maupin (307-467-5260) cmaupin@rtconnect.net.