EAST DIXFIELD – The Countryfolk Music Theatre hosted a free Wild West Show and Country Music Weekend, raising money for the Youth Music Scholarships.

Larry Bisbee, spokesman, said, “It was a huge success. Folks came from all over the state.”

Several hundred spectators watched the antics of the Countryfolk Cowboys, whip cracking demonstrations and dancing to Maine country music. Free beans were served, potluck meals were held and a chili cook-off had nine entries. Musicians from throughout Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties lent their time and talent.

Sixty-one country musicians performed over the three-day event that was filled with cowboy skits, saloon girls, gunfighter reenactments and even a shotgun wedding.

One of the highlights was the first-time appearance of the Countryfolk Cowboy Cheerleaders, a group of four local male volunteers helping to raise money for the Countryfolk Youth Music Scholarships. Bisbee said, “Their names are being kept secret to protect the innocent, but they were a huge hit.”

Bisbee said, “The gunfight skits were so well received we were invited to participate in the Dexter Wild West Days. So, out of all this we have formed Buck Bisbee’s Wild West Show’ and will be available to travel to other towns and cities to perform for special events and local fund-raisers.”

He said the show will consist of Maine country music, gunfighter reenactments, saloon girls, roping and whip cracking demonstrations.

Country Sunday jam sessions will continue through Labor Day, with special Friday night jams followed by a two-hour dance.

The Friday dance schedule is as follows: Aug. 12, the Thibodeau Brothers and Friends; Aug. 19, Temple Stream Band; Aug. 26, TBA; and Sept. 2, Rocking Chair Ramblers.

For more information, contact the Countryfolk Music Theatre at 645-4875 or online at www.countryfolkmusic.com.