Mid-October marked the culmination of a year and a half of planning for Women Writing the West’s 20th Anniversary Annual Conference in Golden, Colorado. The result of work by Colorado’s WWW Conference Planning Committee to plan the event spread among several venues was a huge success. The City of Golden was a perfect fit for our group. A synopsis of highlights will give those with a passion for the craft of writing an idea of…
Local festivals are a great way to enjoy the Old West. Last weekend, I attended Buffalo Bill Days in Golden, Colorado. A terrific parade almost two hours long brought out the best of local bands, horses, and folks in Western attire and costumes for the celebration. It was great fun to peel myself away from writing and editing to enjoy the sunshine and the sites in the Colorado foothills for the celebration of the pioneer scout and showman, William Cody, who is buried on Lookout Mountain above Golden.
In his day, Buffalo Bill was like a rock star. People came from far and wide to attend his Wild West shows, a combination of Old West, theatrics, and circus. His critics felt that he exploited rather than preserved the Old West. I feel another biography coming on. Perhaps a deeper look at the story while revisiting primary sources will provide some insight.
Perhaps a book about Buffalo Bill is in my future. For now, my days are full will presentation, articles, and tidying up loose ends with Baby Doe. In the meantime, I am grateful to live in a place that allows me to enjoy a glimpse of the old West now and then and enjoy its history.
Joyce B. Lohse, 7/29/10
www.lohseworks.com