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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
As expected, people have come from all over the world to see these once-in-a-lifetime Winter Games. And weíre currently showing them a good time. But beyond witnessing the thrill of world competition, will they leave having gained an appreciation for our Western culture? Tom Whitaker, who is known for organizing Heber Cityís annual Cowboy Poetry event each fall, is making sure they do. He has organized Heber Cityís Wild West Show, a daily event happening now through February 23 that features the Westís best entertainmentófrom famous Cowboy singers to authentic Western grub.
Tom told me he designed the event specifically to coincide with the Winter Games so that visitors and locals alike could get a real taste for the West. Since it began on February 11, already two nights have completely sold out.
Located at Wasatch High School in Heber City, the Wild West Show offers a lengthy list of entertainment. The Bar J Wranglers, known for their Jackson Hole music show, perform nightly beginning at 6 p.m. The show features famous Babe Humphrey, his two sons Scott and Bryan, fiddler Tim Hodgon and guitarist Donnie Cook. Their act combines stand-up comedy with masterful cowboy music.
Another act is Morning Star, a group that highlights Native American Culture through a blend of music, dance and storytelling. Morning Star is a family-based group composed of members of several families with ancestry from a variety of Native American Nations.
There is also trick roping, a trick gun artist, cowboy yodeling and poetry and a Wild West fair with more than 35 booths of unique Western souvenirs.
But Tom said besides great entertainment, the Wild West Show promises the best Western food around. Eddie Deen, who catered the 2001 Presidential Inauguration, is serving up his famous East Texas barbecue everyday from 3 to 9 p.m.
Only the show and food cost anything. Tickets for the show can be purchased at Smithtix. The booth fair is free.
With the Wild West Show held in Heber Cityóa town not too far from the Olympic bustle, I wondered about traffic. Tom told me not to worry. Getting to the Wild West is a traffic-free 20-minute drive and a great escape from the crowds. So, for a taste of the West (literally), Heber Cityís Wild West Show is the place to be during the Games.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
