Oklahoma Cowboy Poetry and Songs is an annual event which honors National Cowboy Poetry Week. Professional and amateur performers join to celebrate this artform with live performances.

Cowboy poetry grew from the oral tradition of workers on cattle drives and ranches. The cowboy lifestyle is alive in the United States, and contemporary cowboy poetry is being written today. While pieces do not actually have to be written by cowboys, the poem or song will have some connection to the cowboy life.

"Cowboy poetry as a genre is an important oral tradition," said Karen Neurohr, OSU assessment librarian. "It preserves our Western heritage and the values of the American cowboy and cowgirl."

The event is sponsored by the OSU Library, Friends of the OSU Library, the OSU Rodeo Association and the OSU Rodeo Association Booster Club.

• 2006 Press Release
• 2007 Press Release
• 2008 Press Kit