National Day of the Cowboy New Mexico Chapter IWMA
How Did Cowboys Come about?
After the Civil War, the cowboy era kicked off in America. During the war, many cattle roamed wild as ranchers were called to serve, and many didn’t make it back, especially in Texas. With the country expanding west and the demand for beef rising, men saw the chance to head to Texas to round up these wild herds and drive them to market. Cowboys lived a tough, nomadic life, but they could make good money. In Texas, cattle sold for $4 a head, but once driven east, they fetched $40 a head. Other livestock like sheep, goats, and poultry were also in demand, but it was beef that brought in the dollars. As cowboys resettled Texas, states like New Mexico followed. From the late 1800s into the new century, driving cattle was a way to make a living and seek adventure. Many cowboys eventually settled down, bought land, started ranches, married, raised families, and continued to make an honest living.
The Railroad
When the railroad expanded west, it made moving cattle a lot quicker than doing it on horseback. This change spread across many western states, including the Plains and the Northwest Territory, and reached New Mexico too. Back in the 1600s, the Spaniards introduced livestock to the region, and by the 1800s, places like the Town of Bernalillo in Sandoval County became important for loading cattle onto trains to head to market. Cowboys and cowgirls had endless work—riding trails, tending fences, raising livestock, milking cows, growing crops, and keeping their families together. Music was a big part of their lives, offering a way to relax and entertain. They played guitars, fiddles, mandolins, harmonicas, and banjos, singing and writing songs that were passed down or formally composed. Western stories and cowboy poetry also became popular ways to entertain.
Poetry and Music
International Western music association
Country legends like Hank Williams, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Bob Wills played a huge role in honoring the spirit and culture of the American cowboy and cowgirl. They laid the roots for Western, Western Swing, and Western Gospel music, along with cowboy poetry and stories. The International Western Music Association (IWMA), originally started as the Western Music Association (WMA) in 1989, aims to preserve and promote Western music and its history. They educate folks in the U.S., Canada, and beyond about this unique musical tradition that captures the essence of the American West. The IWMA became a 501c3 non-profit in Arizona and expanded globally in 2018. This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Day of the Cowboy, celebrated by the IWMA and honored by the New Mexico chapter. We're thrilled to team up with Sandoval County to keep this tradition alive!
IWMA
Schedule of Performances
11:00 - 11:50 AM The Peralta Playboys
12:00 - 12:50 PM Jerry Lee
1:00 - 1:50 PM Michael Coy
2:00 - 2:50 PM Steve Cormier
3:00 - 5:00 PM Carlos Washington's Steel Horse Swing
New Mexico Chapter IWMA
Join New Mexico Chapter IWMA Community
Thank You To Our Sponsors
New Mexico Chapter of the International Western Music Association
“Get roped into Western Music & Cowboy Poetry!”
Learn about our upcoming events and the
International Convention hosted in Albuquerque every November.
Sandoval County
Town of Bernalillo Lodgers Tax Fund
First Financial Credit Union
“Offering some of the lowest interest rates on loans, mortgages, credit cards and highest checking rewards rates in NM!”
McDade-Woodcock Electrical Contractors
“Providing the best electrical contracting services in the SW for over 40 years!”
Range Café Restaurants
“Where the locals go for food from scratch – locations in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and here in Downtown Bernalillo!”
Thank You To Our Private Donors
Food Vendors
Rollin’ In Hot (Here until 4:00pm)
Busy Bee Frozen Custard
Craft Vendors
James Garcia
Donna Coy
Other
Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival