The Gathering in Two Words
by Callie Greenhaw
The program book from the 1986 Gathering
A week after the 39th Gathering had ended, I was flipping through the 1986 program. In it, I found a quote by my grandfather that made me reflect on why the Gathering is so special.
“If the Gathering can be characterized in a word,” writes Charles Greenhaw, “…it’s warmth. Why? Who knows. Maybe because when we aren’t hemmed-in, we are all cowboys and poets…”
If I were to choose one word to define the Gathering, warmth is certainly a good choice. Despite Elko’s infamous winter weather conditions, a sense of warmth permeates our event. This warmth is generated by the sense of community and belonging that is fostered during the week of the Gathering. We are from all walks of life. Many have been ranching for generations. Others are relatively new to the agriculture business. Some may be from the city, but come willing to learn and appreciate the rural lifeways presented and perpetuated through rhyme, verse, song, and art. We have a hometown crowd, an out-of-town crowd, and even an international crowd. No matter where we are from, who we are, or why we are here, we are all part of a creative community that is bound together by curiosity, passion, and appreciation for this artform and way of life. The things that normally would make us distinct from one another fall away. In that sense, for this one week out of the year, “we are all cowboys and poets.” It is what makes the Gathering truly remarkable.
I would like to propose a second word to define the Gathering. Possibility. The Gathering is a place where little moments can resonate long after they have passed. Sparks of creativity and inspiration can turn into something more. Exploring the possibilities found at the Gathering may happen instantly, or it may take years. I am a beneficiary of this possibility. My love of storytelling was ignited at the Gathering as a child. I was endlessly fascinated by the tales I would hear on stage, the scenes they painted in my mind played on long after the Gathering had ended. The curiosity fostered at the Gathering would have a large impact on my life, leading me to become a linguistic anthropologist and dancer. And 20 years later, I am writing to you as manager of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I am back where my journey began, listening and telling stories backstage, on stage, and places in between.
Gathering Moments of Warmth and Possibility
The Gathering is full of warmth and possibility and the 39th Gathering was no exception. I look back fondly on the little moments I was able to share with performers, staff, volunteers, and audience members. Everyone has a story, and it was wonderful hearing all of yours. Some of these stories have already made it into song, inspired by the spontaneous meetings between performers and the spirit of adventurous camaraderie. I hope you, too, found moments that spoke to you, inspired you, and set the stage for something more. As we begin to look forward to the big 4-0, I want to remind you that the Gathering, in its essence, is about people. Without the many people that help put it on or that make the journey to attend it, it would not be possible. So thank you, for coming and sharing a bit of yourselves with us. It is always a true pleasure. See you at the 40th Gathering. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Jonathan Oderman’s poem “In Elko” speaks to the creativity and collaboration sparked by the Gathering. Jonathan performed this in 2022 and it holds true still, as we’ve heard stories about more creative projects stemming from artists’ experiences at the 39th Gathering in 2024.
Callie with family friend Don Brewer at the Gathering in 2001
Callie and Youth Program Assistant Andy Boyer with leather she stamped at the 39th Gathering’s Youth Festival
Born and raised in Elko, Nevada, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering has played an important role in Callie's life from a young age. Attending the performances gave her a deep appreciation and admiration for western culture and storytelling, guiding her choice to become an anthropologist specializing in performance studies. Her grandfather Charles Greenhaw was a member of the steering committee for the 1985 Gathering. In her off time, Callie enjoys photography, working on the family ranch in Wyoming, and dancing with group Txori Baltza.
