Musical history review to cap new fall festival

You can hear some of the old cowboy classics made famous by western matinée idol Gene Autry, and put on by the “Grand Dames”, Oct. 11-13.

It’s all part of the chamber of commerce’s “Coulee Fall Festival” that includes a wide range of activity for both young and old.

The “Short History of Western Music with a Salute to our Hero Gene Autry” will bring back special memories, particularly to the older set who paid a nickel or a bit more to get into Saturday matinées some 50 or more years ago.

The younger set also has been touched by the singing cowboy, who has a regular television program featuring some of Autry’s old films.

Becky Kerns, Judy Curtis, Jamie Holeman and Darlene Morava, will all don their cowboy hats and attire, and sing a number of songs associated with Autry, many of which he wrote.

You’ll be able to hear the likes of “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” and “The Tennessee Waltz.” And some of the classic westerns, such as, “Home on the Range” and “You are my Sunshine.” And how about “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”

For that one, Morava said, “Judy Curtis had to learn how to yodel.”

The performances will be at 7:30 p.m. each of the three nights and tickets go for $5.

Other featured events of the Fall Festival, include a pet parade down Midway Avenue; a karaoke time for kids, from noon to 4 p.m. at North Dam Park; and a community-wide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at North Dam Park. Look for food and other treats as part of the celebration.