Special Events This Summer Dot The Western Landscape

Some events in the Western states this summer:

100th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 19-28. Highlight of this 10-day celebration in the Wyoming capital is its famous rodeo - the world’s largest, they claim - at Frontier Park.

Other doings include appearances by country artists Garth Brooks, George Strait, Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Brooks & Dunn, Alabama, and Randy Travis; night arena shows with chuckwagon races, women’s barrel racing, Southern Plains Indian dancers; a Western art show, museums, square dancing, free pancake breakfasts, and a chili cookoff.

For information, call (800) 227-6336.

Lodging is limited, so call ahead; contact the Cheyenne Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1 (800) 426-5009.

Applegate Trail Southern Route Sesquicentennial Wagon Train, Sept. 1-Oct. 21. A re-enactment of the first passage of wagon trains on Oregon’s Applegate Trail 150 years ago is being organized for fall by a coalition of community groups.

The wagon train will leave from Winnemucca, Nev., proceeding across the desert through mountains on the California-Oregon border and joining the Southern Route into the Willamette Valley.

The first phase leaves Winnemucca Sept. 1 and arrives at the Green Springs Box R Ranch in the Cascades Sept. 30; the second phase will leave the ranch Oct. 1 and arrive at Polk County Fairgrounds on Oct. 21.

Events along the trail are being coordinated by the Applegate Trail Coalition, representing eight Oregon counties through which the trail passes.

Individuals or groups who want to travel all or part of the trail can get basic information by writing Wagon Train Secretary, 186 White Oak Road, Medford, Ore. 97504.

The Southern Trail Sesquicentennial Wagon Train has been sanctioned by the state’s Oregon Trail Advisory Council.

Alaska solstice celebrations, June 21. Celebrate the summer solstice on the longest day of the year in Alaska, where the day is really long.

In Fairbanks, there’s the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, played at night without lights beginning at 10:30 p.m. and featuring the hometown Goldpanners; information number (907) 451-0095.

In Whitehorse, it’s the Annual Summer Solstice Dance, (403) 688-4921; and in Anchorage, the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon, (907) 343-4474.

Hawaii’s Aloha Festivals, Sept. 13-Oct. 20. This group of events, which spotlights the islands’ cultural heritage, celebrates 50 years this fall.

About 300 events on six islands are scheduled: Sept. 13-22 on Oahu; Sept. 20-29 on Kauai; Sept. 27-Oct.6 on Molokai; Oct. 4-13 on Hawaii; Oct. 4-13 on Maui; and Oct. 11-20 on Lanai.For information, call (800) 852-7690.

Fiesta San Antonio, 1996, April 19-28. This festival, which rivals Mardi Gras in color, verve, and tradition, celebrates Texas independence and the state’s diversity.

It officially starts at Alamo Plaza and continues with a full-dress parade down the San Antonio River, with floats that really float.

The Battle of the Flowers Parade and the Coronation of the Order of the Alamo spotlight gowns and headdresses created by San Antonio designers. And the Fiesta Flambeau Parade is billed as the largest night parade in the country.

The Fiesta del Mercado is nine days of live mariachi, Tejano and rock music, and A Taste of New Orleans offers jazz with a touch of Texas.

A Night in Old San Antonio, sponsored by the city’s conservation society, offers music and food from the diverse cultures of the city.

And the King William Fair opens one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city to visitors.

For information about Fiesta, call (210) 227-5191.

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