AFTER THE SNOW

Jackson Hole Cool Spring Trio

By Tonya Poole, 4-28-06

If you think legendary Jackson Hole, Wyoming is only for powder heads - wipe off your goggles: you've got a lot to catch up on.

Summer visitors enjoy the town – rife with teeming timber lodges, elk antlers, leather chaps and cowboy hats – for its wild flavor, award-winning restaurants and fantastic outdoor recreation. But for one weekend each May, they come for the wild western trio of events that draws crowds from around the Rockies and around the world to come enjoy a little Jackson Hole under the warm, spring sun.

ElkFest 2006
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21
Built around the world-famous annual Jackson Hole Boy Scout Antler Auction, ElkFest is held in the town square and remains one of the most uniquely and undeniably western events in the region. Shortly before summer migration, the thousands of Elk in the National Elk Refuge shed their antlers, which have been harvested by the Boy Scouts and auctioned off the bidders from around the globe since 1968. Not only is the event a fun chance to learn outdoor and environmental skills, 80% of auction proceeds go to support winter feeding programs for the elk refuge.

Mountain Man Rendezvous
Saturday, May 20 – Monday, May 29
Enjoy a trip back in time during this celebration of ancient and traditional crafts, wares and period clothing, with events and markets that include Trader's Row, Candy Cannon, the Bow & Arrow Competition, Hawk & Knife Competition, and Atlatal Competition. Located at Teton Country Fairgrounds.

Historic Downtown High Noon Chili Cook Off
Sunday, May 21
Be there at high noon on Sunday for the standoff: Jackson Hole's annual chili cook off tempts local and regional competitors to show their stuff in the town's historic business district. Music, food and fun for the family – if you can stand the heat. Bring $5 for your tasting spoon.

If you're like a lot of Jackson Hole visitors, you're not likely to be ready to head home after one short weekend – so stick around awhile for the rest of the hole's Wild West Days throughout the week of May 22nd through the 29th. Catch a parade, some cowboy poetry, or even a stagecoach ride through town. For more information on all three events, visit www.elkfest.org, or contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

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