At the invitation of Calgary Stampede founder Guy Weadick, acclaimed Western artist Charles M. Russell exhibited 20 paintings at the first Stampede in 1912. Russell’s art was already well known in the ranching community, and his exhibition was a huge draw at the first Calgary Stampede.

The Western Writers of America, a group founded in 1953 to promote the literature of the American West, recently released its list of finalists and winners of its prestigious Spur Awards for 2012.

Spur Awards are given annually and recognize excellence in 17 categories, including Western fiction and non-fiction, songwriting, and poetry.

NASHVILLE -- Riders In The Sky lead singer/musician Woody Paul has been selected as one of the distinguished 2012 inductees into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. The induction gala will take place on Saturday, April 14th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Riders In The Sky will be taking center stage as headlining performers during the celebration.

The Senate passed a resolution last night observing the National Day of the American Cowboy, set this year for July 23. Click on the National Day of the American Cowboy tab above to find event information near you and read this article by Josiah Ryan from the Senate blog for more!