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.

Western Adventure Author at Gene Autry Days
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Not only will this year's Gene Autry Days have western collectibles and entertainers, but the event will also feature a book signing by Will Riley Hinton, a western adventure author. Releasing his second book in the Rocky Mountain Odyssey series, Hinton will be available during the two-day event scheduled for June 27 and 28 in the Community Building at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Kenton.

The new book "Rocky Mountain Odyssey" was named after the series and continues the story of characters Dan Kade and Bear Rollins. The cover describes the book as "a story that's tough and gritty like the Old West itself!" Copies of the book, along with Hinton's first book "Lonely Are The Hunted" will be available for purchase at Gene Autry Days.

Born and raised on a farm in the foothills of the Appalachians in southeast Ohio, Hinton developed his love for horses from his grandfather who was a farrier, drover, and trader of horses. Hinton now resides in northwest Ohio with his wife, Donna. Along with writing, he enjoys building custom electric guitars and basses.

Now in its 16th year, Gene Autry Days also features over 40 tables of cap guns, old toys and collectibles, plus western Look-a-Like contests and non-stop live entertainment. 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 that same weekend, and homemade food as well as Amish-made pie will be available.

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