Phoenicia will soon be covered in cowboy boots and tumbleweeds when it hosts “Cowboy Upstate,” the town’s first ever Wild West Weekend Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. Wild West-themed events will fill the weekend throughout the town's various venues. Local shops will support the Wild West theme and participants are encouraged to dress in Wild West apparel, some of which will be sold at various locations around the town.
Some of the proceeds will go towards rebuilding the Phoenicia Library, after the 2011 fire, and toward fixing up the STS Playhouse.
"Cowboy Upstate" blossomed when Michael Koegel (owner of Mama's Boy Market and artistic director of STS Playhouse) heard Phoenicia resident and writer Holly George Warren speaking on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross about her book on Gene Autry. Koegel and George Warren then paired up to create the town-wide extravaganza.
Chili Cook Off competitors must sign up at Mama’s Boy Market and deliver their chili to the market by Sunday at 11:30am. Samples will be available for the general public to taste, who will then vote on their favorites. Prizes will be awarded for the best chili.
Saturday, October 12 11am Cowboy Poetry Slam Phoenicia Library Free 12pm Gene Autry Double Feature The Phantom Empire (Episodes 1 and 2) and Back in the Saddle (Featuring live music provided by the Catskill Ukelele Group) $5 admission 7:30 pm Barn Dance and Square Dance featuring The Earl Pardini Band Parish Hall, Phoenicia $10 admission, Kids under 12 free Cowboy Grub Available (Tamales, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, "Cow Pies, sarsaparilla, etc.) 9:30 pm Marshmallow Roast and Bonfire Mama's Boy Market Free Sunday, October 13 Noon Chili Cook Off Mama's Boy Market Sign Up to enter at Mama's Boy Market Sampling begins at noon. 7pm Sons of Phoenicia Concert (Featuring Robert Burke Warren and Friends) Followed by an encore showing of South of the Border STS Playhouse $15
