National Day of the Cowboy coming to Manhattan

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - An event to celebrate the history and culture of the American West is coming to Manhattan for the National Day of the Cowboy.

On Saturday, July 27, the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) will host the annual celebration. Participants can catch a horse-drawn carriage, test their throwing skills with a dunk tank and brand wooden blocks to the tune of folk music from "Fiddler's Dream." Inside the center, attendees can take western-style photos, meet rodeo queens and participate in various activities. For an additional cost, you can test your skills on a mechanical bull.

"This is one of our most popular events every year," said Jonathan Mertz, event supervisor. "We encourage everyone to dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl, mosey on down to the Discovery Center, and celebrate with us."

The first 250 children to attend will get a free baseball hat. Kids will be able to participate in the following activities:

• "Bull" roping with the K-State Rodeo Club.
• Making a marionette horse.
• Tossing rubber snakes into a cowboy boot.
• Play cowboy tic-tac-toe.
• Learn about the life of a cowboy with a 'Cowboy Box'.
• dress up and take digital photos.
• Construct a wagon wheel puzzle.

Food vendors Taco's Food Truck and Rainbow ice will be setting up. Sasparilla, rootbeer and Wild Bill's vanilla and orange soda will be available in the FHDC gift shop.

For more information, click here.

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