Pull on your boots

Sooner than we think, Dodge City Days will be here once more. This year's celebration goes under the attractive name of "Dodge City Days ... Enjoy the Ride.” We, the residents of the city, have to show our enthusiasm more than ever, because gas prices might keep some visitors at home. Vacations and celebrations are getting more expensive by the hour. Even laughs cost money nowadays.
    So take out your cowboy or cowgirl shirt, blue jeans, bandanna and hat and join the fun. Look Western and be proud of it. Be the best in the West. There will be a lot of attractions all day long, seven days a week, followed by another week, July 25 to Aug. 3. Kids of all ages, as well as adults, will have the opportunity to do things that only these special days offer.
    There will be, among other fantastic day and evening shows and entertainments, the irreplaceable top-rated rodeo, cookouts, pageants, rides, special events, craft shows, the Western parade and the crowning of a beauty, all for an unforgettable time. Walk up and down Dodge City’s streets, meet new people, visit with old friends. All are to meet at the rendezvous.
    Shopping is a sport many of us practice faithfully, so don't miss the opportunity to look for and buy new and old things. Antiques are always welcome. Keep in mind we will have crafters from a 10-state area.
    Eating in special places adds to the fun. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other typical foods will be served during the 10-day celebration. We'll also have a professional barbecue contest. Be one of them, be a winner or just participate. Besides, this year they are presenting  Kahuna Beach Party. Imagine, so far away from the sea at the beach. This will be the kick-off concert. Buy your tickets ahead of time, they have been on sale since June 28.
    They will present more than 50 events this year. Attend as many as possible and have a long western holiday,  which won’t be repeated it until next year by summer time. Don't miss Kidfest, a real fun party for the kids.
    Live our heritage once more. Be a real Dodge Citian, and join others in celebrating the good old days. Be one more and first in participating. Dodge City Days can be a success with people like you and your family. This is a once-a-year festival, not to be miss by you and me.
    Recreate the Old West, becoming a part of it. You integrate your heritage with your presence and your joyfulness. Be ready, be there. You will be happy you joined the rest, so bring your neighbors and new friends. Help Dodge City with laughs and smiles.
    Use Western greetings like "Howdy," and you will be adding that fresh feeling all of us need. Enjoy yourself, make others have fun, don't think negatively, forget today's reality. After all, you will be walking a lot, so why worry about gas prices?
    Visitors — maybe in car pools, riding horses, or in buses full of tourists — will lift the real cowboy spirit. “Bring the heck back to Dodge!” being one of our bess. Wear your boots with pride, think of the bandanna as a symbol and tickle others’ fantasy with a cowboy hat.
    Dodge City Days comes once a year. Let's make this year's the best ever!