Organizers have rounded up several fun activities to celebrate the sixth annual National Day of the American Cowboy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Denton’s Western Heritage Gallery, but the event also should provide some unique educational opportunities for area families.

“We’ll have some of the nation’s finest spur makers, bit makers and leather artists here,” said Jeff Trammel, one of the gallery owners. “We wanted to make it somewhat of an educational day.”

Visitors will be offered a close-up look at the handiwork of many Western craftsmen who continue to make items in the traditional way, Trammel said.

“They can tell how it was,” he said. “That’s a goal of ours — to preserve and teach. I think we’re going to have a great day as far as history goes.”

Some of the craftsmen hail from the North Texas area, Trammel said.

“It’s important for people to know where they came from, how they got here,” he said. “That’s an important thing for all of us to remember — when all else fails, your community is your family.”

Trammel said those scheduled to participate include: Bruce Bowers of Buckaroo Custom Boots in Krum; Travis Stillson, a leather artist from Collinsville; Jim Proctor, a custom hat maker from Gainesville; George Blackwood, a custom spur maker from Farmersville; Nick Cunningham, a silver engraver, spur maker and custom gun engraver from Stephenville; and Bruce Cheaney, a custom spur maker from Gainesville.

Artist Quanah Parker Burgess, a descendant of Quanah Parker, and other regional and local artists are scheduled to attend, Trammel said.

Another feature of the event will the “Bit ’n’ Spur Antique Road Show,” featuring representatives of the National Bit, Spur and Saddle Collector’s Association.

Visitors are invited to bring in old Western items to be evaluated during sessions at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 and 4 p.m.

“People can bring in an item, and they’ll value that item,” Trammel said. “These guys are good at what they do.”

Activities for kids will include face painting and temporary tattoos, stick pony races and a “cowkids” art exhibit. There also will be an antique car display, free stagecoach rides and performances by the Texas Tumbleweeds Band, a Western swing band from Rockwall.

Parking and most of the activities are free, and concessions will be sold, Trammel said.

Visitors can view the Denton County Fallen Soldiers Memorial and participate in Operation Giving Back, which collects donated items to be sent to military personnel serving overseas, Trammel said.

Donations are welcome, and suggested items include instant drinks, single-serving chips and cookies, microwaveable popcorn, energy bars, chewing gum, baby wipes, disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo/conditioner, mouthwash, deodorant, dental floss, eye drops, contact lens cleaner, phone cards, socks, twin sheet sets, books and magazines.

Trammel said Saturday’s event is a good fit for the gallery, which features more than 80 dealers offering Western and American Indian collector items, decor and art.

“The people we have inside the shop come from a wide range of backgrounds,” he said. “It’s really grown from a historical standpoint. It’s so much more than an antique store.”

Sponsors of Saturday’s celebration include Wells Fargo Advisors, Resistol, Foster’s Western Wear, Weldon’s Saddle Shop, the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo, and Nance Ranch.

The gallery is located in Suite 400 of Stonehill Center, at 5800 N. Interstate 35. Call 940-243-3933 or visit www.thewesternheritagegallery.com for more information.

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Fans of old-time rock ’n’ roll should find plenty of tunes to keep them happy when Freddy and the Falcons take the stage in downtown Roanoke at 7 p.m. today.

The band will perform at Austin Street Plaza, at the corner of Austin and Oak streets. Admission is free.

New concert facilities are under construction as part of a project that will provide parking, restrooms and landscaping, said Amy Radford, marketing manager.

For more information, visit www.roanoketexas.com or call 817-491-2411.

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Denton County Friends of the Family is in need of twin sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets and towels.

Those who would like to help out can drop off donations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1400 Crescent St., Suite 5, in Denton, said Sarah Martinez, volunteer coordinator.

The mission of Friends of the Family is to provide dedicated and compassionate services to victims of sexual assault and relationship violence while partnering with the community to promote a society free of violence.

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The Kid’s Clubhouse in Krum is conducting a drive to help Robert Thompson, a resident who is serving in Iraq, and his fellow soldiers, said Stephanie Payne, assistant director.

A variety of items are needed, and donations can be taken to 7262 Gregg Road in Krum, Payne said.

“They really need personal hygiene items,” she said.

Also needed are unscented baby wipes, nonperishable foods, cough drops, razors, AA batteries, and footballs, baseballs and other sports items, she said.

For more information, call 940-482-7220.

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The city of Pilot Point will have a pet adoption event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Sonic Drive-In, 300 S. U.S. Highway 377.

Adoption fee will be $10, and a good selection of dogs and cats will be available, said Lisa Rose, animal control officer.

“We’ve got a few of them,” she said.

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Tioga’s Western Trade Day is set for Saturday, and one of the featured events will be a pioneer quilting demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. presented by Texana Living History Association, said spokeswoman Annette Bridges.

Hosted by the Tioga Heritage Museum, the Western Trade Day fundraiser is held on the fourth Saturday of every month, April through September.

Beginning at 8 a.m., vendors offer a variety of merchandise, including arts and crafts, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and candles.

Visitors also can take a look at the museum, which features Gene Autry memorabilia.

Admission and parking are free, and vendor spaces are available. The museum office will open at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, and walk-in vendors are welcome.

Vendors also can register and pay online at www.westerntradedays.com.

Call 940-437-5333 or e-mail info@westerntradedays.com for more information.

The museum is on the northeast shore of Ray Roberts Lake at U.S. Highway 377 and Gene Autry Drive.

LES COCKRELL is interested in your input for Out & About. Help share information about Denton County events and people by calling him at 940-566-6887. His e-mail address is lcockrell@dentonrc.com.