American Western Arts Showcase – JULY 29-30, 2022 – Darke County Fairground, Greenville, Ohio!
The American Western Arts Showcase (Formerly known as the Annie Oakley Western Arts Showcase) started in 2002 with a whip handling workshop and exhibition presentations. It is a production of GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. and The Whip Artistry Studio. In 2003, the event moved to the Annie Oakley Festival in Greenville, Ohio, and became the Ohio Regional Convention of what was once known as the Wild West Arts Club.
2005, Wild West Arts Club Ohio Regional Convention participants at Annie Oakley Festival, Greenville, Ohio
As a convention at its peak, the showcase included contests in whip handling, knife throwing, gun spinning, and trick roping as well as feature performances and workshops. Wild West arts practitioners from all over the US, Canada, and Mexico came to test their skills, learn new things and enjoy the company of fellow performers and artists.
After the recession diminished turnout at these events, in 2009, the event changed from a convention to a “show only” event, retaining the fellowship and educational aspects of its previous incarnation. At this point, the event was free for all to attend, and contests became exhibition only, with no prizes awarded, just bragging rights. Still, they came. It flourished.
Our featured performers are professionals and some of the most skilled and talented in the industry. These include Kirk Bass, certified thrown weapons expert, Gery Deer, champion whip artistry performer and world-class instructor, and more. We are always looking to add another talented feature act to our show.
Today, the show is still a featured part of the Annie Oakley Festival, at Darke County Fairground, Greenville, Ohio, but also travels in various versions. Every performance features exhibition contests, incredible entertainment, and much more. Check out this year’s event schedule:
Production video from a few years ago showing some of the events
Whip cracking, trick roping, and knife throwing exhibitions going on throughout the day as well as educational sessions to learn about the Wild West Arts and how these performers are working to keep them alive today.
2022 EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday:
- Space opens at 10 AM.
- Informal workshops, practice, and demonstrations throughout the day.
1:oo PM American Western Arts Showcase Performance
- Bass Blades Knife Impalement Show
- Gery L. Deer – The Whip Artistry Studio Show
- Special Guests and More!
5:00 PM American Western Arts Showcase Performance
- Bass Blades Knife Impalement Show
- Gery L. Deer – The Whip Artistry Studio Show
- Special Guests and More!
Saturday:
- Space opens at 10 AM.
- Informal workshops, practice, and demonstrations throughout the day.
- Contest Practice
12:30 PM American Western Arts Showcase – Whip Marksmanship ContestsWhip Speed & Accuracy Exhibition Contests
- Speed & Accuracy
- Speed Switch
- The World’s FIRST Bullwhip Fast Draw competition – Started in 2000, we’ve been the lead on bullwhip fast draw since!
- 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.
1:30 PM American Western Arts Showcase Matinee Performance
- Bass Blades Knife Impalement Show
- Gery L. Deer – The Whip Artistry Studio Show
- Special Guests and More!
4 PM American Western Arts Showcase Performance
- Bass Blades Knife Impalement Show
- Gery L. Deer – The Whip Artistry Studio Show
- Special Guests and More!
Exhibitions and practice sessions are open to public audiences throughout the afternoon.
Sunday:
12 Noon, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM Gery Deer Indiana Jones-Styled Bullwhip Shows
Showcase producer Gery Deer will perform solo for three Indiana Jones-style shows!
Gery will demonstrate whip work used in movies and talk about how the Hollywood versions differ from practical whip work, and how they do the stunts and keep you entertained.
Here’s a past show that offers a glimpse into the Indy-themed programs …
He will be at the festival only for a limited time, but in the same space as the showcase, on the south side of the fairgrounds.
BRING OUR SHOW TO YOUR NEXT EVENT …
The American Western Arts Showcase is now available to present its shows anywhere in the United States, including the hosting of competitions and exhibition performances for any western-themed event or venue. We will customize our offerings to your event’s location, theme, or timeline. Call for information at 937-902-4857 or email gdeer@thewhipstudio.com