April is National Poetry Month in the United States and Canada, and April 17–23 is Cowboy Poetry Week. In fact, 2011 is the tenth annual Cowboy Poetry Week, which 22 state governors and officials have recognized. Many activities take place across the West and beyond to mark the occasion. Visit Cowboypoetry.com and Westernfolklife.org to learn more. Also, the Rural Library Project (rurallibraryproject.org) preserves and promotes cowboy poetry and Western heritage by serving rural communities and hosting Cowboy Poetry Week events.
We just shipped the June/July issue, and we’re really excited to present the 12 original rodeos that started the sport as we know it today. “America’s original national pastime,” rodeo gathers families and communities across the West and showcases important ranching traditions. Our feature article will be a great resource to visit these “real rodeos,” many of which date back to the 19th century. The features on wagon trains, team roping, and Mexico’s ranching history should also wake some interest. And we review “Raven on the Wind,” the excellent new album by Wylie Gustafson (pictured).
Also a bit of housecleaning … We deeply regret the inconvenience, but some of you have been contacted by unauthorized subscription agents asking you to renew your subscription by phone or by mail. These companies are not authorized to represent American Cowboy nor are they affiliated with us in any way! Please do not give out any personal, payment, or credit card information to these companies. Authentic mailed renewal or billing notices will ONLY come from Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235; authentic telephone renewals will ONLY come from EBSCO Teleservices (330-492-2913). Please call 800-297-6933 with concerns or to remove your name from future legitimate calls.