The Columbia River Cowboy Gathering & Music Festival began in the later months of 2003 when Ed Dailey asked Budd & Judy Massengale if they would help him and his wife Angie start a "Cowboy Gathering" in the Tri-Cities. This was a "long time dream" of Ed's.

Sounded like a real good idea to Budd & Judy and just right up their alley too! Budd being the cowboy he is and the "can do anything" kinda guy, Ed with his awesome radio DJ voice and knowledge of the entertainment world, Angie with the business smarts, and Judy with the "wanting to help and make this work" attitude, it all began and the first Columbia River Cowboy Gathering was held at the Fairgrounds in Kennewick - April of 2004!

We set up a Mission Statement and Main Goal right away. We have not and will not waiver from them. This is the foundation of our now 501 (c) (3) which we formed in 2006.

Mission: Our mission is to preserve the western way of life by providing a festival honoring the cowboy way of life and heritage through music, poetry, western arts and goods, keeping the festival wholesome, family oriented and at an affordable price. 

Goal: To provide financial assistance to various community and non-profit groups within our community as well as allowing the Columbia Basin area to enjoy a weekend of western culture and be affordable to everyone and their family.

After the event in 2010, Ed and Angie dropped out to do other things. So, after discussions with the Board and Volunteers, we re-grouped and held another successful Festival in 2011 and are now working on the 2012 Festival! Thanks to all the help of the Board and Volunteers.