Welcome Cowboy Claus at Old West Christmas Fest, Nov. 29

OVANDO - A reliable source reported that they spotted and even spoke with the elusive Cowboy Claus last week. This source reports that Cowboy Claus is indeed on his way to the Blackfoot Valley hamlet of Ovando. Meteorologists along with astrophysicists have gotten together with area outfitters to determine that the arrival time for Cowboy Claus is predicted to be precisely at 12 p.m.

To celebrate the arrival of Cowboy Claus, one day a year, the town of Ovando steps back 150 years to the Old West, with horse drawn wagon rides through town, Gingerbread House making in the Fire Hall, the Bite of Ovando Cook-Off, Petting Zoo, Craft Show featuring local artisans and food vendors.

Cowboy Claus, a cousin of Santa Claus, arrives every year aboard his trusty horse Nick. Being that ranch kids have different wishes than urban kids, Cowboy Claus is better to talk to them about what they want for Christmas. He then reports directly to Santa Claus.

Upon arriving in Ovando via Highway 200, Cowboy Claus will meet with the kids inside the Brand Bar Museum where they will sit on his antique saddle and give him their list of wishes, wants and needs. He will be there until 2 p.m. when he must ride off into the sunset.

Prior to his arrival, the Blackfoot Cattlewomen will be hosting the Annual Bite of Ovando Cook Off. The judging of the best meatballs 'round these parts will be made by local culinary hotshots. Bring the best by 10 a.m. to the basement of the Blackfoot Church and vote for the rest until 12:30 p.m. The winner will earn a $25 gift certificate and eternal bragging rights.

If the meatballs won't curb that hunger, the Ovando students will have pulled pork sandwiches and apple cider for sale at the school, Trixi's and The Stray Bullet will be open for business and the Blackfoot Angler will feature Kathy's Blackfoot truffles and Dyan, the Cheesecake Queen's Cheesecakes.

Around 20 local vendors will have their wares for sale at the Craft Show in the Ovando School gym. Some of the new booths include AJ Bakery offering all gluten free baked goods; a booth with dream weavers, Cabin Fever jewelry, wood crafts and homemade jams and jellies. Lavonne Jorganson's pottery, Charles Geary's metal works, Doug Richard's birdhouses and Bates Coffee Company are returning. There are several booths with hand crafted crochet and goat soap that would make perfect stocking stuffers and the students will be selling toaster tongs, spatulas and the World's Finest Chocolate to support their trip to Washington D.C.

New this year at the Ovando School gym will be a coloring table for children 15-years-old and younger. They can color a Holiday boot or Christmas cowboy (see pictures in the ad on page 5). Everyone will receive a candy cane and be entered in a drawing for huge stuffed dogs and other prizes. The drawing will be done around 2:30 p.m. The "Big Dog" will also visit the coloring table throughout the day.

Don't let your kids, or those that are kids at heart, miss the opportunity to welcome Cowboy Claus for the 18th year to Ovando and kick off the holiday cheer at the Old West Christmas Fest Friday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For questions contact Leigh Ann Valiton, 406-793-5555.