GREENVILLE, OH – The American Western Arts Showcase (Formerly the Annie Oakley Western Arts Showcase) will expand into two days of events this summer, Friday and Saturday, July 28 – 29, 2017.

Everything kicks off on Friday, July 28 at 12 Noon with open practices and rehearsals plus some great educational sessions scheduled throughout the day for public view.

Whip cracking, knife throwing and more will continue all day until the Friday Night Feature Show at 5PM!

Saturday’s event schedule begins at 1 p.m. with the Whip Contest Exhibition, which will include speed and accuracy, bullwhip fast draw and a style contest. Contests will be followed at 2:30 by a matinee performance featuring whip artist Gery L. Deer, the knife throwing skills of Bass Blades and more.

This year’s whip contests are dedicated to our dear friend, legendary Australian whip performer, John Brady who passed away earlier this year. John was a friend and a great whip handler and performer.

American Whip Speed & Accuracy Exhibition Contests

Speed & Accuracy

Speed Switch

The World’s ONLY Bullwhip Fast Draw competition

PLUS! The Indiana Jones-styled turning fast draw contest, just like you see in the opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Contestants will use an 8-foot or longer bullwhip to face off against each other in an effort to recreate the dramatic first crack by Indiana Jones.

2:30 PM Matinee Performance – Sneak preview for the Grand Showcase

5:00 PM Grand Western Showcase hosted by The Brothers & Co. Entertainers – Whip Artistry, Daredevil Knife Throwing, Fantastic Trick Roping and music and comedy by The Brothers & Co! Exhibitions and practice sessions open to public audiences throughout the afternoon.

The Grand Western Showcase will begin at 5:00 PM, hosted by The Brothers & Co. Entertainers music and variety show.

And the best part? This year’s Annie Oakley Event is FREE admission!

“Last year breathed new life into this long-running event,” Deer says. “Our goal is to provide a featured event for Saturday that will help draw more people on what is typically the busiest day of the festival.” For more information or to participate in the whip contests, contact the production office of GLD Enterprises at (937) 902-4857 or email, gdeer@gldenterprises.net.

Whip Crackers, Trick Ropers and Knife Throwers – If you’d like to participate in the showcase, please contact the producer, Gery L. Deer for information!

For more information on the festival, visit www.annieoakleyfestival.org.