Entrants over the years include the Colorado Mounted Rangers (who traditionally serve as color guard), beautiful 6-up Belgian draft teams, historic wagons and coaches, and Texas Longhorns. It is also fun to see young buckaroos on stick horses and fashionable ladies and gents dressed in period costume. This parade is an awesome blend of locals and participants of  The Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

The main sponsor of the parade is Boot Barn, and Grand Marshal for the 2012 Motorless Parade is is Mickey Bowman, who retired last year after managing Basin Co-op for 35 years.

People with a western spirit have been known to attend The Cowboy Poetry Gathering, then immediately begin looking for real estate in Durango. Unlike the more touristy towns of Colorado, people actually relocate to Durango because it is a genuine city with just the right balance of visitors and locals. It is widely referred to as “a real town” where permanent residents enjoy practical day-to-day lives of farming, rural ranching, and professional careers.

Even if you're not visiting during the week of Cowboy Poetry Gathering, consider booking the cultural heritage vacation package or adding a horseback riding adventure to your itinerary. Anytime is a good time to embrace the southwestern spirit, and treat yourself to a wonderful stay at a local dude or guest ranch.