Amarillo among Top Ten True Western Towns of 2015

Amarillo might have reason to feel its oats about its latest recognition.

True West Magazine placed the city at No. 4 on a list of Top Ten True Western Towns of 2015.

On newsstands Jan. 6, the February issue of True West offers the publication's annual list of towns that exemplify the spirit and dedication of the American West and the pioneers who helped build it, a news release said.

"I've been down there on a couple of occasions for mounted shooting competitions," Features Editor Mark Boardman said. "The feel of the town is great. I've enjoyed visiting the American Quarter Horse (Association) headquarters and museum. And I'll tell you, Palo Duro Canyon nearby is something I always enjoy seeing."

Durango, Colo., took the top spot on the list, which is compiled by editors based on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved and promotes its history, the release said.

Magazine representatives "essentially look at how (a town) gives a sense of its relationship to the old west and then what other things it might do to celebrate its heritage," Boardman said.

Amarillo's recognition is a reflection of its roots, said Eric Miller, spokesman for the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council.

"Amarillo's still where you go in Texas to find a cowboy," Miller said. "You can't put your finger on just one thing. It's who we are. It's what we do."

The list has proven a travel guide for some True West readers, he said.

"What they're looking for is a place that reflects the old west heritage," Boardman said.

True West noted the slew of rodeos Amarillo hosts, such as the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo and its accompanying Polk Street Cattle Drive, and Working Ranch Cowboy Association events, from the World Championship Ranch Bronc Riding and the World Championship Ranch Rodeo.

Like Boardman, the magazine news release also mentions the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum and its National Day of the Cowboy celebration and Palo Duro Canyon.

Another Amarillo attraction garnering attention from True West is the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian.

Miller expects to refer often to the listing as he's promoting Amarillo in 2015, he said.

"2015 is an incredible year of anniversaries," Miller said. "It's the 20th anniversary of the World Championship Ranch Rodeo - very western. It's the 75th anniversary of the quarter horse association - very western. It's the 50th anniversary of the (musical) play, 'Texas' - again, very western."

In the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, Palo Duro Canyon had nearly 141,750 non-local visitors who came for a day and more than 46,800 who stayed overnight, according to an economic impact study released in November.

The visits translated into an economic impact of about $7.3 million in the area around the canyon from direct visitor spending, the study showed.

The city's many western events combine to draw thousands of visitors. About 30,000 people, for example, descended upon the Amarillo for the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Miller said.

Other towns on the list also epitomize the west, Miller said.

"They all live and breathe the west and western history, so it puts us in great company," he said.

True West Magazine debuted in 1953, focusing on true stories of old west adventure, history, culture and preservation. Each issue reaches more than 200,000 readers in several countries, according to its website, TWMag.com.

Top Ten True West Towns of 2015

1. Durango, Colo.

2. Great Falls, Mont.

3. Dodge City, Kan.

4. Amarillo

5. Fort Smith, Ark.

6. Silver City, N.M.

7. Elko, Nev.

8. Scottsbluff, Neb.

9. Pinedale, Wyo.

10. Santa Clarita, Calif.