Cowboy Carousel Discovery Center

05/28/2026

Thank you, Johnson County Recreation District, for your incredible support. Because of you, the Center is getting a new air conditioner and our Youth Theater program can continue to grow. We truly cannot thank you enough for investing in our kids and our community.

Editor's Note: The table published with this story in the May 28 edition of the Buffalo Bulletin listed the incorrect award amounts. The chart below is updated to reflect the

05/27/2026

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Dine & Dazzle, where fine dining and extraordinary local talent come together to support Discovery Center youth programs.
Guests will enjoy a delicious Italian Braised Beef dinner while being treated to performances from an incredible lineup of local talent:
Performers (Alphabetical Order):
Alaska Hunt
Carolina Hunt
Dakota Hunt
Dance routines by Elite 16
Deanna Frisk
Georgia Hunt
Jackie Galli
Jax Willis
Jeremy Jarvis
Juli Jarvis
Kel Hogue
Neveah Young
Skyla Carpenter
Sophie Young
This special evening celebrates community, creativity, and the young performers who make the Discovery Center such a vibrant place for learning and growth.
We hope to see you there for a night of great food, great talent, and great purpose!

Tickets are only $20.00. Reserved seating can be purchased here, and general admission can be purchased at the door.

VIP Tickets & reserved seating can now be purchased on our website at https://cowboycarousel.org/youth-theater and general admission seats can be purchased at the door.

05/27/2026

Native American Weekend - June 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026
At The Cowboy Carousel Center in Buffalo, Wyoming

Friday Evening – Tipi Raising, Smudging, and Opening Prayer

Henry Real Bird will begin our weekend with a traditional tipi raising, followed by smudging and an opening prayer to ground our gathering in respect, gratitude, and cultural understanding. His presence brings deep authenticity and spiritual significance to this shared experience.

About Henry Real Bird
Henry Real Bird is widely recognized for his lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Apsáalooke language, stories, and horsemanship traditions. His credentials include:

Montana Poet Laureate (2009–2011)
Award‑winning author and poet, with works featured nationally and internationally
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recipient for his contributions to Native literature
Longtime educator, youth mentor, and advocate for Indigenous language revitalization
Renowned horseman, known for his work connecting youth to cultural identity through horses
Cultural ambassador, frequently invited to speak, teach, and perform across the country
Henry’s storytelling, humor, and generosity of spirit make him a beloved figure in Native arts and education.

Saturday Highlights:
Featuring Henry Real Bird and his wife, Cheryl, sharing songs, stories, dance, and traditional dream
Henry Real Bird will be speaking, dancing, and leading children’s cultural activities all day long on Saturday—songs, stories, games, and more. Cheryl Real Bird will host beautiful dream catcher and dream weaving workshops. Bring the family and enjoy a day of culture and connection.

For more information about this exciting weekend, please visit our website at:
https://cowboycarousel.org/native-american-weekend

05/15/2026

Join Us for Native American Weekend!
We are honored to welcome live Native American performers, cultural educators, and artisans for a powerful three‑day celebration of heritage, artistry, and community.

Experience:
• Traditional performances by Native artists
• Hands‑on classes taught by Native instructors — herbal
knowledge, beading, leatherwork, and more
• Authentic Native American food trucks
• A stunning regalia art display
• Speakers sharing the history and stories of Johnson County
• Opening prayer and smudging ceremony to begin the weekend
with respect and intention

Tickets are now available:
https://artsalongthebighorns1.ticketspice.com/native-american-weekend

We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend of learning, connection, and cultural celebration.

05/15/2026

Join us for Dine & Dazzle!

Experience an unforgettable night of fine dining and live entertainment as we transform The Cowboy Carousel Center into a truly magical venue. Enjoy a sit‑down Italian Braised Brisket dinner while being treated to a Broadway‑style show featuring over a dozen of Buffalo’s most talented performers — complete with humor, heart, and a few tear‑jerkers.

Dinner is prepared and served by our Kids In The Kitchen students, showcasing their hard work and culinary skills.

All proceeds support Discovery Center Programs, helping us continue to provide accessible arts and education opportunities in Johnson County.

Purchase your tickets here: https://artsalongthebighorns1.ticketspice.com/dine-dazzle
This special evening is made possible by a generous grant from The Langston Foundation.

Get Tickets for Dine & Dazzle.

05/12/2026

VIP Tickets & reserved seating can now be purchased on our website at https://cowboycarousel.org/youth-theater and general admission seats can be purchased at the door.

05/11/2026

This class is now full - please join our email list to receive updates about future Kids In The Kitchen Sessions.

This class is now full- please join our email list for future Kids in the Kitchen sessions!

A fun, hands-on cooking class designed just for kids ages 7–12.

In this exciting three-week course, young chefs will:
~ Learn essential kitchen skills like safe knife handling
~ Read and follow recipes
~ Create shopping lists
~ Practice proper food safety
~ Explore table setting basics
~ Build confidence in the kitchen

The class culminates in a special all-kids event: Dine & Dazzle!
Students will prepare a full Italian dinner, set the tables, and serve guests—leading every part of the experience themselves. It’s a unique opportunity to shine, work as a team, and be part of something truly special.

Class Dates:
~ Tuesdays & Thursdays, starting May 12
~ Dine & Dazzle Dinner: Saturday, May 30
~ Location: Cowboy Carousel Center
~ Thanks to a generous grant from the Langston Foundation tuition is waived. Class includes dinner at every class, apron, knife, recipe binder, and work binder.

Let’s cook, learn, and have fun together!
To register, email: [email protected] or text 307-620-2244

05/03/2026

Spring Sprouts & STEAM — Saturday, May 9th!
Bring the kids for a hands‑on day of science, creativity, and outdoor exploration! Designed for ages 1–10, this drop‑in event features spring‑themed S.T.E.A.M. stations, sensory bins for toddlers, and messy outdoor activities — so come prepared to get dirty and have fun.

Drop in anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM
Enter through the back of the building at the Discovery Center door
Suggested donation: $5 per child or $10 per family

From vegetable‑powered electricity to nature art, engineering challenges, and garden‑themed sensory play, there’s something for every age and curiosity level. We can’t wait to see you for a day of spring learning and discovery!

12/17/2025

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️Auditions!! Just Three Weeks Away!⭐️⭐️⭐️

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the stage! Auditions for The Wizard of Oz are almost here, and we can’t wait to see our community shine.

Everyone ages 5 through 17 is invited—no experience necessary! Guest artists up to age 20 may audition by invitation.

Step into the magic of the beloved musical featuring songs from the classic 1939 Judy Garland film. Audiences will journey with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, singing favorites like “Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

This timeless story of courage, friendship, and home will come to life with dazzling music, amazing sets, remarkable costumes, and unforgettable characters—performed on the giant Bomber Mountain Stage.

Our Directorial Team Marie Verger, Judith Willis, Josh Davies, and Courtnee Wampole are already planning for this spectacular production, bringing their vision and expertise to guide young performers.

To make participation easier for families, rehearsals will be scene-based and held at the Cowboy Carousel Center. This flexible format means cast members only attend when their scenes are called—helping everyone stay focused, balanced, and able to shine in their roles without overwhelming schedules.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical adventure! Call 307-620-2244 to set up your audition or appointment. early auditions available.

12/07/2025

A Christmas Carol Parade Float!