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The
first weekend in May is the 66th annual '49er
Days Celebration. This year's theme is "(to
be announced)" Indeed, Winthrop will
be filled with living history when packers and
pack trains, cowboys, cowgirls, and an entire
wagon train all converge for three days of western
events and fun.
The
celebration begins at high noon on Friday, May
6, in downtown Winthrop with the arrival of the
"Ride to the Rendezvous" wagon train.
The wagon train, sponsored by the Washington
Outfitters and Guides Association ("WOGA"),
spends five days traversing Methow Valley's back
country trails to reach Winthrop just in time
for '49er Days. Come join all the town's
people in welcoming the riders. Then, stay
in town for lunch, an old west story time at the
Trail's End Bookstore, and a stroll along the
town's wooden boardwalks as you join in a Winthrop
"Art Walk" from 5 to 7 pm.
Friday evening at 7pm
the '49er Days celebration gets going in full
swing with the Dollar
Watch Cowboy Jamboree at the Barn. This
cowboy variety show promises to lift your spirits.
The Jamboree host, LauraLee Northcott,
will introduce the '49er Day Queen and Grand Marshal
and Lady.
Saturday
morning,  May
7th, at 11am, the Winthrop '49er Days Parade takes
center stage on main street. This parade
boasts more horses than any other parade in Washington
and is known for the longest pack strings anywhere.
The parade also has mountain men, royalty, fire
trucks, old cars, homemade floats, as well as
marching bands, funny and interesting characters,
and school kids. Come watch, or come be
a part of the parade!!!
After
the parade, activities continue in town. You can
participate in old-fashioned fun western games, enjoy
western demonstrations such as panning for gold, see
horses on the street, visit our famous museum and visit
each of the downtown merchants to vote on the stores
that best depict the Old Western theme.
 Meanwhile,
at the Winthrop Park, members of Washington
Outfitters and Guides Association gather
for their annual packer rendezvous. This year
marks the 23rd anniversary of WOGA joining the
'49er Days celebration! WOGA members set
up display camps to offer folks a glimpse of outdoor
life, a taste of campfire cooking, and a sample
of cowboy music and poetry. They also provide
outdoor activities for children and Western vendors
and demonstrations.
At
the park from noon until 2:00, hungry visitors can find
pizza, brats and barbeque.
Saturday evening and Sunday you will find more good food, cowboy music and poetry, a packing competition, and western auctions at the park or in the Barn. At
9:30pm Saturday night, come dance to the Family Band
at the Winthrop Barn.
Please visit the Washington Outfitters & Guides Association
website for all details:
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