Workshops and presentations will be held at the Kittitas Valley Event Center Umptanum Hall on February 17 and 18 to highlight local people who keep alive the skills and spirit of the Western and Native Ways. The walls of the hall are decorated with western art and poetry from elementary schools in the area who participated in the Elementary “Code of the West” Stampede Program.

Workshop Schedule:

Open to the public at no charge Friday, February 17th 10:00 AM — 3:00 PM Saturday, February 18th 11:00 AM — 3:00 PM

Beading without a Loom:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM.  Danielle Cummings, a local instructor and designer, will show beading without a loom.  This demonstration will include native American Design, flora and fauna as well as necklaces and bracelets.

Cowboy Reunion:

Saturday 11 AM — 12:30 PM: Join champion Calf Roper Dean Oliver who became an Ellensburg crowd favorite as he won the calf roping competitions in ’62, ’63, ’64, and ’71 along with other Hall of Famers as they recollect stories, experiences and memories of cowboying in the west and riding the rodeo circuit.

Dance Lessons:

Saturday 7:30 PM — 8:30 PM: Join dance instructors Matt and Sheli Carroll to learn some fancy stepping the cowboy and cowgirl way. Learn the Western 2-Step and waltz and the really fun cotton-eyed-joe. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will let your feet slide. Stay for the dance afterward and practice your newly learned skills.

Harmonica Workshop:

GARY ALLEGRETTO’S “LEARN TO PLAY HARMONICA INSTANTLY” WORKSHOP

Here’s your chance to learn from one of the best. In his award-winning harmonica workshops around the globe, Gary Allegretto has proven that he can teach anyone to play a song in less than a minute – NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! If you’ve always wanted to learn to play your favorite Western songs on the harmonica, this fun workshop is for you. Through Gary’s unique method, you’ll be entertained while you learn four songs and techniques at lightning speed. It’s designed for the complete beginner, although experienced players will enjoy and learn from it as well. HARMONICAS AND EVERYTHING NEEDED ARE INCLUDED FOR ONLY $20. All ages, 5 and up… great fun for the whole family!

For more info and to purchase tickets

Kids Corral - A Fun Place for Kids to Hang Out:

Friday 10 AM – 11 AM:  Sue Hart will have the kids busy singing and acting out songs.  She will be joined by special guest guitarist and singer Dr. Dave Lundy.  Fiddler Barb Riley will add her musical talents to the mix.  Bring your little dudes and dudettes for the show!

Kids Cowboy Corral on Sunday:

Sunday 11 AM — Noon: Join the CWU Rodeo Club for more western fun for kids following Cowboy Church. Learn to rope using a real lariat. There will also be a barrel pattern set for racing with stick horses and other fun activities. Buckaroos will receive an Elementary “Code of the West” activity book from Miss Spirit of the West, Dakota Adams and Cowboy Carl.

Livestock Brands and Branding Methods:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM: Staff from the Washington State Department of Agriculture will be on hand to discuss the history of livestock brands, how to read a stock brand, how to register your brand, and the important role that the State’s Livestock Identification Program plays today in protecting public and animal health.

Pine Needle Baskets:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM: Vicki Loiseau and other local basket weavers will display beautiful handmade baskets and demonstrate basket making with pine needles. They will have beginning baskets for you to try.

Quilting:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM:  Greta Stewart, lead, along with JB McCrary, Barb Nelson, Mary Weeks and Lillian Plunkett will be demonstrating and discussing Antique Quilts and Identification of Fabrics, Needle Turn Applique, Hand Quilting, Quick Piecing Techniques and Rotary vs. Scissors.  Try your hand at a new technique!

Ropes and Knots:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM:  Fun and skill building with ropes and knots to make many useful items including your own tack.

Spinning:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM: Kittitas County Spinners will demonstrate spinning on treadle wheels and a great wheel. Visitors will have a chance to try out their spinning skills.

Wanapum Heritage:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM – 3 PM.  Tribal members will demonstrate the Native American crafts of tulle mat, hemp string twining and beading.

Women in Ranching:

Friday 11 AM — Noon:  Draw near and listen to local women and guests talk about their own personal history of ranching and being women living on-the-land.  This is the real story of how it was.

Wood Carving:

Friday and Saturday 11 AM — 3 PM: The Adult Activity Center Wood Carvers Group will be working on their own projects.  Visitors are welcome to observe and ask questions.

Kittitas County Historical Museum in Downtown Ellensburg, 114 E 3rd Ave:

Friday and Saturday 10 AM — 3 PM.  The theme this year is Local Cowboys: Living a Legend.  The museum will be doing a display on local cowboys, the Ellensburg Rodeo and other cowboy memorabilia, such as spurs, ropes and other western gear.   The museum is a repository of Kittitas County history through historical artifacts, archival and photographic collections, and oral recollections of community members. From an Antique Doll Collection to Native American Bag and Basket Collection, visitors are certain to come across something of interest in the 9,000 square feet of display area.