The first annual Ridgway Old West Fest, organized by the Ridgway Western Heritage Society will celebrate Ridgway's brief transformation into Fort Smith, Arkansas, half a century ago for the filming of the blockbuster movie.
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of True Grit, the movie that earned John Wayne his only Academy Award. The famous director Henry Hathaway brought a cast and crew to Ridgway and Ouray County in the summer of 1968 to film much of the movie, which was released in 1969.
“We have a lot of fun activities planned, and there should be something for everyone, young and old,” said Eve Becker-Doyle, Ridgway Western Heritage Society president. "The 2019 Old West Fest is free. It does not have a registration fee. While some of the events require a paid ticket, the majority do not. That makes a really cost-effective weekend for our attendees."
Festival activities include cowboy music and poetry, a Western arts and crafts exposition, two movies, train rides, a tour of a model train that occupies an entire basement, a John Wayne look-alike contest, children’s horse and pony rides, horsemanship demonstrations and a cowboy action shooting contest.
Disclaimer: Event details may change at any time. Please review the official website or check with the
event organizer when planning to attend the event.
