Old West Fest draws fans from across U.S.

Ridgwayâs Old West Fest attracted fans who participated in a costume contest, including John Wayne look-alikes and villains. Photo courtesy Ed Bovy.

By Carolina Brown, on October 16, 2019

John Wayne fans who made the pilgrimage to Ridgway from near and far weren’t fazed by chilly temperatures last weekend, turning out in large numbers to tour scenes from the movie “True Grit” and celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The Plaindealer tagged along with 25 fans from as close as Grand Junction and as far away as Minnesota and Nebraska for a walking tour on Saturday. Organizers of the first Old West Fest said the walking tours both days averaged 20 people each.

The fans displayed thei...

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