WHEREAS, throughout the history of the American West, and in Idaho especially, cowboy and pioneer poets have played a large part in preserving our western heritage and the culture of Idaho through oral and written poetry; and

        WHEREAS, the long tradition and endearing qualities of these old stories and poems demonstrate that cowboy poetry is part of a cherished Idaho tradition; and

        WHEREAS, Idaho has produced several well-respected contemporary cowboy poets, and recognizing the contributions of these poets dates as far back as cowboys themselves; and

        WHEREAS, Idaho hosts major cowboy gatherings in Lewiston, St. Anthony, Emmett, Rupert and Idaho City; and

        WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the importance of cowboy poetry;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the week of April 15 through April 21, 2007, to be

COWBOY  POETRY  WEEK

In Idaho, and I urge all Idaho citizens to recognize and celebrate this occasion.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 2^ndday of April in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE