The second weekend in May is the 65th annual '49er Days Celebration.  This year's theme is "Winthrop '49er Days - The Old West Celebration." Indeed, Winthrop will be filled with living history when packers and pack trains, cowboys, cowgirls, and an entire wagon train all converge for three days of western events and fun.

The celebration begins at high noon on Friday, May 7, in downtown Winthrop with the arrival of the "Ride to the Rendezvous" wagon train.  The wagon train, sponsored by the Washington Outfitters and Guides Association ("WOGA"), spends five days traversing Methow Valley's back country trails to reach Winthrop just in time for '49er Days.  Come join all the town's people in welcoming the riders.   Then, stay in town for lunch, an old west story time at the Trail's End Bookstore, and a stroll along the town's wooden boardwalks as you join in a Winthrop "Art Walk" from 5 to 7 pm.

Friday evening at 7pm the '49er Days celebration gets going in full swing with the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree at the Barn.  This cowboy variety show promises to lift your spirits.   The Jamboree host, LauraLee Northcott, will introduce the '49er Day Queens and Grand Marshal and Lady.

Saturday morning, May 8th, offers a western experience like no other.  At 10am gather 'round town hall for an old fashioned western BEARD contest!  Categories will include"  Longest, Fullest, Youngest Person Sporting a Beard, Most Stylish (determined by audience response - so participants will want to bring friends),Scrawniest, and, stepping out of line just a bit - best handlebar Mustache (also determined by audience response).  Then, at 11am, the Winthrop '49er Days Parade takes center stage on main street.  This parade boasts more horses than any other parade in Washington and is known for the longest pack strings anywhere.  The parade also has mountain men, royalty, fire trucks, old cars, homemade floats, as well as marching bands, funny and interesting characters, and school kids.  Come watch, or come be a part of the parade!!!

After the parade, activities continue in town.  You can participate in old-fashioned fun western games, enjoy western demonstrations such as panning for gold, see horses on the street, visit our famous museum and visit each of the downtown merchants to vote on the stores that best depict the Old Western theme.

Meanwhile, at the Winthrop Park, members of Washington Outfitters and Guides Association gather for their annual packer rendezvous. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of WOGA joining the '49er Days celebration!  WOGA members set up display camps to offer folks a glimpse of outdoor life, a taste of campfire cooking, and a sample of cowboy music and poetry.  They also provide outdoor activities for children and Western vendors and demonstrations. 

At the park from noon until 2:00, hungry visitors can find pizza, brats and barbeque. 

Saturday evening and Sunday you will find more good food, cowboy music and poetry, a packing competition, and western auctions at the park or in the Barn.  At 9:30pm Saturday night, come dance to the Family Band at the Winthrop Barn. 

Please visit the Washington Outfitters & Guides Association website for all details: