The Nara Visa Cowboy Gathering 2010

The Nara Visa Cowboy gathering was held in Nara Visa, NM the weekend of September 24-26. Proceeds from the event are used to help with the upkeep of the historical school house gym and auditorium where it is held. Friday night things kicked off with an ice cream social and the first performance.

On Saturday the public was treated to jam sessions throughout the day by performers while they browsed through local vendors items in the school gymnasium. Also, there were highly competitive events like the bubble gum spitting contest for the children and adults. This years winners were, in the performer category Rod Taylor; in the 12 and under category Chase Hitson; and in the 12 and up category Jonathon Earle. I t is highly competitive (some were even accused of trying to gain an edge) and the winners received a Sonic gift card. Saturday afternoon was the roping dummy contest for 12 and under. Winners this year were and Chase Earle of Nara Visa, NM and John David Chatfield of Roy, NM, who is the defending Champion.

There was packed house for the afternoon performance this year. There were songs by Barry “Pickle” Whitfill, Ivan Thompson, Alan Chapman and his wife Cowgirl Kate, playing the viola, along with several others. There were several poets in attendance this year including Strawberry, who caught a lot of grief for being from Oklahoma, and newcomers Wheeler Hughes and Jason Endrizzi. Mr. Whitfill accompanied Haidyn, 8, and Zane, 6, Phillips for their first performance ever of Red River Valley. They had been practicing with him all weekend. Talent from both the young and more experienced receive the same amount of stage time and appreciation. Both performers and audience members alike say that is why they love to come to this Gathering.

That evening there was a delicious chuck wagon steak dinner prepared by Jack and Jill Chatfield and Allen and Diane Thompson. The dinner fed close to 180 people, selling out of steaks for the second year in a row.

After that there was the evening performance, which was when the annual winner of the Buck Ramsey Heritage award was announced. This year taking home the award was Carlos Ortiz of Tucumcari, NM. Carlos has earned much respect and admiration through his honesty, hard work and caring of others. He lives his life by the traditions of the west, caring for the land, livestock, family, and friends. Carlos lost his father at very young age and went to work to help support his family of 9 brothers and sisters. He worked on and managed many ranches throughout the years and now has his own place, works the families Tramentina place, and manages another ranch. Carlos is in high demand when it comes to neighboring and is known as a “top all-around hand”. A few years ago he even held a kids only branding to help teach traditional ways to the youth of the area. He is seen helping them at many of the local 4H and rodeo events. as well. To come from a home so far off the beaten path (barely reachable by horseback) and become as knowledgeable and respected as he is, he is well deserving of this award.

Sunday ended the very successful and fun filled weekend with a biscuit and gravy breakfast followed by a Cowboy church service.