The Wild West is coming to Columbiana complete with cowgirls, blacksmiths, chuck wagons and even a shootout during Columbiana’s first Cowboy Parade at 1 p.m. on Feb. 21.

This fun-filled, free day starts with a parade of cowboys and cowgirls on their beautiful horses down Main Street. Cowboys and cowgirls participating in the Shelby County Rodeo the following weekend, Feb 27-28, will also walk with their stunning workhorses. Six chuck wagons pulled by mules and horses, which will race at the rodeo, will also roll down Main Street. Bryant, First United Securities, M&F and Regions banks, Barber’s Diary, Dr. Stancil Handley and Alabaster Optical are all sponsoring the wagons.

Miss Rodeo Alabama Ellen Glasser, fresh from competing in Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas, will also be on hand. Ellen is from Columbiana and went to Elvin Hill Elementary till she began home schooling in sixth grade to offer more time for competing in horse shows.

As a sixth generation cowgirl, she has literally grown up in the saddle. Four members of her family compete in horseshows today including her grandmother Sharon Warren, her mother Pam Turner, Ellen and 10-year-old sister Shaina. Her sister Tiffani, who is 5, practices on her pony.

Ellen won her first title, Little Miss Rodeo Clanton, at age 3, which was the first of more than 10 titles she has won in her life. She later became Miss Rodeo Shelby County and then Miss Rodeo Alabama. Miss Rodeo is based on personality, knowledge of horses, appearance and horsemanship. Ellen has taken a year off from Jefferson State to keep up with all the travel her title requires.

Following the parade, the Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association will be serving chili at the pavilion on Summer Classic Way. On the field in front there will be demonstrations of all kinds. There will be blacksmiths, ferriers, wood carvers and a roping station. Cowboys will bring their lariats to teach anyone interested how to rope a calf. There will also be two bands to entertain, a blue grass band and a county western band, Rising Suns, from Montevallo FFA. Miss Alabama Rodeo will also be available for autographs.

At 2:30 pm you are invited to experience a Wild West shootout that would make Wyatt Earp proud! Don’t forget your cowboy boots. The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association and the Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association are sponsoring the event. If you want to participate in the parade, call Dr. Stancil Handley at 669-4131.