Photo: Lori Faith Merritt

Every year the National Festival of the West presents the "Cowboy Spirit Award" to recognize those men and women who have set the example of Western heroes with the integrity, strength of spirit, and moral character depicted by the American Cowboy. From its inception in 1992 when Dale Evans, "Queen of the West," and Patsy Montana, "America's No. 1 Cowboy Sweetheart," received their bronzes, this star-studded presentation ceremony was destined to become the high point of the National Festival of the West. Since that time, thousands of visitors have witnessed and become an integral part of the presentation ceremony. "America's Favorite Cowboys" Riders In The Sky, and legendary actor John Wayne, were the recipients for 2008.