Western Days

Mustang’s 33^rd Annual Western Days

 

September 11^th & 12^th, 2009

 

Mustang Western Days is an annual community wide tradition focusing on affordable, family fun and entertainment. The action packed weekend is coordinated between the Mustang Chamber and Local Businesses, Civic Groups, Clubs, and the City of Mustang.

 

“Legendary Western Days” is the theme of the 33^rd Annual Western Days coming to town September 11^th and 12^th, 2009. Western Days is held each year on the first full weekend following Labor Day. Crowd size is estimated at 30,000 due to the many events and attractions bringing in visitors, as well as the many reunions planned around this weekend since many people are coming home to Mustang especially for this event. Seeing the families lining the streets with lawn chairs and pickup beds full of laughing children ready for the parade, reunions with friends you haven’t seen in years while shopping the arts & crafts booths, and enjoying the local entertainment will undoubtedly leave a special memory in your heart. The weekend is packed with opportunities for the old to rekindle some of their fondest memories and the young to begin making their own.

 

The fun begins Wednesday when the carnival arrives in town hosted by the Kiwanis Club which will run nightly until Sunday.

 

On Friday, businesses will set the tone of the weekend atmosphere by competing in store decorating contests and a chili cook off. These two events have become a spirited competition, as each year local businesses strive to earn the showmanship award and the honor of best tasting chili. Also at the chili cook off, awards are given in age categories for the best dressed cowboys and cowgirls. Friday evening will stir up the talent of local churches as they entertain with Gospel singing at the main stage located at State Highway 152 and Mustang Road.

 

Both Friday and Saturday night, the Mustang Round Up Club hosts an Open Rodeo at the Mustang Round Up Club Arena beginning at 8pm. Bring family and friends out to witness the strong competition of the rodeo participants. The Open Rodeo is guaranteed to provide excitement and thrills to the every member in the audience.

 

Saturday morning always begins bright and early and runs late into the night. The Kiwanis provide the community fuel for a full day of fun with their Annual Pancake Breakfast held at the Mustang United Methodist Church. Years of practice make them the best at cooking up some delicious pancakes for all ages. Once you have your fill to eat, runners will meet at the Mustang High School Track to compete in the traditional Western Stampede Run. Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in their age division run, ranging from young ones in elementary school to mature adult runners. Approximately one thousand are expected to get their running shoes on this year for the race.

 

For those who would rather travel by wheels instead of run, be sure to stop by the Mustang Car Show hosted by the Mustang Car Club. Registrations are accepted Saturday morning for both open and Mustang Cars. Trophies are awarded Saturday afternoon for the best cars.

 

The main attraction of the morning is the Western Days Parade. For this one morning only each year, two miles of State Highway 152 is shut down for the parade whose over one hundred participants include local dignitaries, clubs, schools, and businesses. Costumes and floats are creative and colorful as each participant competes for one of the many trophies in different categories. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs out early to claim your seat along the route for the best view of the parade entries!

 

Following the parade is a full day of entertainment provided by local talent and a pet show, as well as unique shopping opportunities from the arts & crafts vendors and business booths. Don’t worry if the energy from the pancakes is wearing off, a variety of delicious food is always available from the many food vendors!

 

The Western Days Committee welcomes anyone with a civic and volunteer spirit to assist with planning to ensure the event occurs without a glitch. Contact the Chamber Office to discover which committee opportunity best suits your interest. Applications for all Western Days events are also available from the Chamber Office.