The Official Website of Gene Autry, America's Favorite Singing Cowboy

News Archive: 2009

Sixteenth Annual Gene Autry Days in Kenton, Ohio
Posted May 14, 2009

Gene Autry fans in Ohio may want to visit the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Kenton on June 27th and 28th for the Gene Autry Days celebration. Now in its 16th year, Gene Autry Days features over 40 tables of cap guns, vintage toys and collectibles; non-stop live entertainment including performances by Les Gilliam, author book signings and more. Addition events at the Hardin County Fairgrounds that weekend include the Ohio State Championship Fast Draw Match and Hardin County Joy Riders 4-H Club. Plus homemade food and Amish-made pies will be available. Sounds like an All-American Weekend and fun for everyone!

Here are two articles from the Ada Herald on Gene Autry Days.

Hardin County is set to celebrate 16th Gene Autry Days in June
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Orange Cowboys are back in Hardin County and that means only one thing - it's time for Gene Autry Days. Now in its 16th year, this two-day event is scheduled for June 27 and 28 in the Community Building located at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Kenton.

Gene Autry Days commemorates the western star's 1938 visit to Kenton. At the time, the Kenton Hardware Company was producing the Autry Repeating Cap Gun, which sold over 6 million guns worldwide.

Today, Gene Autry Days features dealers from several states with over 40 tables of cap guns, old toys and collectibles. Western Look-a-Like contests are also held, and this year will feature a new "Lil Cowpokes contest for children.

Non-stop entertainment will be provided throughout the two days. The schedule includes Les Gilliam, "The Oklahoma Balladeer"; Call of the West, music of the American West with Jeanne Cahill and Jerome Campbell; John Buttram, a celebrity sound-a-like; and Paul Belanger, "The Oklahoma Yodelin' Cowboy."

The Ohio State Championship Fast Draw Match and Hardin County Joy Riders 4-H Club will also be hosting events at the Hardin County Fairgrounds over Gene Autry Days weekend. Homemade food will be available, as well as Amish-made pie.

Admission to Gene Autry Days is $5 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. There is also no charge for parking.



Back to index