By Deanna Likes
Marketing Specialist
Wrangle up the family and join the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) for National Day of the Cowboy, an annual celebration of the national icon and the history and culture of the American West. This year's event is on Saturday, July 25 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Outside, catch a horse-drawn carriage ride (10:30 am to 1:30 pm), brand a wood block, and take a picture at the saloon doors. Inside the Discovery Center, take a western style photo "in jail", create a piece of rope, participate in a rangeland activity, and play fun cowboy games.
Faith Roten, Miss Rodeo K-State 2026, will be available for photos and autographs from 10 am to 12 pm."Cowboy culture is one of the things that made the Flint Hills into what it is today", says Jonathan Mertz, Event Supervisor. "This fun event for all ages helps recognize that tradition and celebrate the cowboy way of life."
Commissioner Karen McCulloh will read a National Day of the Cowboy proclamation at 10:00 am, followed by Cowboy Poetry readings from the winners of the 2026 Kansas Cowboy Poetry contest at 10:30 am, with Poet Lariat Ron Wilson giving an introduction.Children's activities:
- "Bull" roping
- Design a branded ear tag
- Make clothespin cattle
- Play cowboy tic-tac-toe, horseshoes, and slingshot
- Construct a wagon wheel puzzle
- and more
The first 300 children get a free America's 250th birthday trucker hat courtesy of Vanderbilt's and Ariat.All these activities are included with regular priced admission or FHDC membership. The Sunflower Summer app can be used.Texas Roadhouse will be selling pulled pork sliders and TrendZ will be selling drinks.