About This Festival

The Ken Maynard Cowboy Day takes place on July 13, 2024, in Downtown Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, celebrating the legacy of Ken Maynard, a native son and famed early 20th-century Hollywood cowboy actor and trick rider. The event offers free admission and is handicap accessible, focusing on community and family fun with a Western theme.

This festival honors Ken Maynard, known as the "King of the old Westerns," who was born in Vevay in 1895 and became famous as a trick rider and singing cowboy in 1930s movies. The event brings nostalgic Western entertainment and celebrates his career and legacy in a vibrant local setting.

Event Vibe and Surrounding Area

Downtown Vevay provides a charming small-town atmosphere steeped in history, well-suited to a Western-themed celebration. The vibe of Cowboy Day is lively and family-friendly with a “Rootin’ Tootin’” spirit, encouraging visitors of all ages to engage with cowboy culture and history. The town’s streets come alive with reenactments and activities invoking the Old West, making it a community-wide celebration.

Key Activities and Highlights

  • Shoot-out reenactments: Live performances that recreate classic Western gunfights.
  • Wild West music: Period-themed musical performances, including honky tonk piano playing.
  • Roping demonstrations: Showcasing trick riding and skills related to cowboy roping.
  • Old Western movie screenings: Films featuring Ken Maynard, reflecting his Hollywood legacy.
  • Kid’s Saloon: A family-friendly area with Western songs and sarsaparilla for children.
  • Character appearances: Visits from actors dressed as Hollywood Western characters of Ken Maynard’s era.

Rough Schedule and Locations

  • Historic Hoosier Theater (209 Ferry St.): Likely venue for film screenings and indoor performances, running from about 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  • Fairgrounds (507 Vineyard St.): Central hub for reenactments, roping demonstrations, music, and the Kid’s Saloon.
  • Downtown Vevay Streets: Walkable area filled with Western-themed festivities and community engagement.

The event typically runs throughout the daytime, with activities spread across the historic downtown and designated community spaces such as the fairgrounds.

History and Founding

The festival was created to honor Ken Maynard’s roots and his status as a pioneer of Western film entertainment. Born in Vevay, Maynard became one of the highest-paid actors of his era due to his skillful riding and charismatic screen presence. The festival was first held only recently and has quickly become a popular annual celebration hosted by Switzerland County Tourism, reinforcing local pride and heritage through Western culture and entertainment.

Ken Maynard’s background also ties to the region's rich cowboy and frontier history, enhancing the event's authenticity and importance to Vevay’s cultural identity.

Contact Switzerland County Tourism at (812) 427-3237 or visit switzcotourism.com for more details and updates.