Sponsored content

There’s something timeless about a cowboy’s story–tales told under starlit skies, woven with humor, grit, and the quiet strength of life on the range. On Wednesday, July 30, the Utah County Fair will officially open with an unforgettable evening of Cowboy Poetry and Music, bringing fairgoers back to the heart of the West through verse, melody, and memory.

Cowboy poetry isn’t just old-timey rhyming–it’s oral history wrapped in dust and carried on the backs of generations. The genre grew out of long hours in the saddle and the loneliness of the open range, when cowboys would compose verse to pass the time or to commemorate a lost friend, a faithful horse, or a particularly rough ride.

The Cowboy Poetry and Music Night is a celebration of more than just ranching culture–it’s a celebration of heritage. The poetry and songs performed at the event connect today’s families to the values and voices of those who came before. It’s an invitation to step away from the noise of modern life and into the slower, richer rhythm of the West.

Whether you grew up riding horses or have only ever seen a cowboy on a movie screen, this event welcomes all. Expect to laugh, to get a lump in your throat, and maybe to see a few tears from your neighbor. That’s the beauty of cowboy poetry: it reaches deep and stays with you.

A Local Voice Steals the Spotlight: Dakota Holdaway

The highlight of the evening will be Dakota Holdaway, a rising star in the cowboy poetry scene and a true son of Utah. Hailing fromMona, Holdaway blends a deep respect for tradition with a youthful energy and authenticity that have made him a standout across Western stages.

Known for poems that mix sharp wit, heartfelt emotion, and vivid imagery, Holdaway draws from real-life experiences growing up in central Utah’s ranching culture. Whether reciting a humorous take on a branding-day disaster or reflecting on the quiet nobility of his grandpa’s saddle-worn hands, Dakota’s performances strike a powerful chord with audiences of all ages.

For many, this will be their first time hearing Dakota live–and for others, it’s a welcomed return of a favorite local voice.

Music to Match the Mood: Trinity Seely & Brenn Hill

The evening’s poetry will be interwoven with music from two of Western music’s most respected voices: Trinity Seely and Brenn Hill.

Trinity Seely, a ranch wife, poet, and musician, brings unmatched authenticity to her ballads. Raised between British Columbia, Montana, and now Idaho, Seely writes and sings about the realities of ranch life–love, labor, and legacy. Her storytelling shines through songs like “Cowboy’s Wife” and “Old Poly Rope,” offering audiences a woman’s view of the cowboy world that’s rich, lyrical, and full of strength.

Brenn Hill, a Utah native, is a gifted songwriter whose western ballads echo across the Rocky Mountains and beyond. With a career that spans decades, Hill has penned and performed hundreds of original songs that tell the story of the New West–its challenges, its pride, and its people. His blend of modern western themes with timeless melodies makes him a perfect complement to the evening’s lineup.

Together, Seely and Hill will provide the musical heart of the event, pairing beautifully with the poetic storytelling and creating a seamless evening of Western celebration.

The Perfect Way to Start the Fair

The Cowboy Poetry and Music event sets the tone for the entire 2025 Utah County Fair–celebrating the community’s connection to its agricultural roots and honoring the people who continue to live those values today. From this heartfelt beginning, the fair will roll on with Western Night Rodeo, Monster Trucks, and UTC Demolition Derby, and includes free Music, Family Fun, Kids Games, Lego Display and more.

But there’s something special about starting the fair this way–quietly, reverently, and joyfully–under the stars, with the sound of poetry and song echoing through the arena.

Event Details

• What: Cowboy Poetry and Music Night
• When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Where: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds Arena
• Tickets: $18 (available at sfcitytix.com)
• Seating: General Admission
• Performers: Cowboy poets from around the region, Featured Poet Dakota Holdaway (Mona, UT), Trinity Seely, Brenn Hill