[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 20981-20982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING

  The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution (S. Res. 326) 
designating the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV, as the ``National 
Cowboy Poetry Gathering''.
  The resolution (S. Res. 326) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 326

       Whereas working cowboys and the ranching community have 
     contributed greatly to the establishment and perpetuation of 
     western life in the United States;
       Whereas the practice of composing verses about life and 
     work on the range dates back to at least the trail drive era 
     of the late 19th century;
       Whereas the Cowboy Poetry Gathering has revived and 
     continues to preserve the art of cowboy poetry by increasing 
     awareness and appreciation of this tradition-based art form;
       Whereas the reemergence of cowboy poetry both highlights 
     recitation traditions that are a central form of artistry in 
     communities throughout the West and promotes popular poetry 
     and literature to the general public;
       Whereas the Cowboy Poetry Gathering serves as a bridge 
     between urban and rural people by creating a forum for the 
     presentation of art and for the discussion of cultural issues 
     in a humane and non-political manner;
       Whereas the Western Folklife Center in Reno, Nevada, 
     established and hosted the inaugural Cowboy Poetry Gathering 
     in January of 1985;

[[Page 20982]]

       Whereas since its inception 16 years ago, some 200 similar 
     local spin-off events are now held in communities throughout 
     the West; and
       Whereas it is proper and desirable to recognize Elko, 
     Nevada, as the original home of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates the Cowboy Poetry 
     Gathering in Elko, Nevada, as the ``National Cowboy Poetry 
     Gathering''.

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