Belle Fourche might have played only a minor role in the John Wayne Western classic "The Cowboys," but it reminded the whole Tri-State community that this was the nation's largest livestock railhead in the open range era.

So the community will keep that theme again this year for its annual Seth Bullock Riverfest & Cowboy Days observation, and two cast members will be among visitors for this year's festivities.

So far, Cowboy actors Alfred Barker Jr. "Fats" and Mike Pyeatt "Homer Weems" have confirmed their attendance; Stephen R. Hudis, who played "Charlie Schwartz" is a "maybe."

Center of the Nation Business Association and the Tri-State museum combined efforts several years ago to offer added attractions to the traditional Belle Fourche summer retail promotion.

Stacey Raisanen of the business association took the bull by the horns and began to contact the "kids" from the 1970s movie to attend the event.

Although festival activities are officially on Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1, the cowboy actors' participation will start a day sooner.

"They will be on the Jim Thompson radio and Internet radio show on Thursday afternoon," Raisanen said, "and Friday afternoon they will be on KBFS here in Belle Fourche."

"They will be available for autograph signing at various times on Friday and Saturday, including at the chuckwagon supper and movie showing at the museum," she said.

The Friday night chuckwagon supper is open to all, for a donation, and the movie follows the supper.

A Cowboy Look-Alike Contest will be held again this year. Youngsters are encouraged to dress as characters from the movie. The real "Cowboys" actors will judge the contest.

Belle Fourche history also will be featured in a sidewalk "chalk art" contest Saturday morning, Aug. 1.

Raisanen said, "We're hoping to be on the 600 block of State Street for a contest in depicting the famous Belle Fourche of yesterday - what Belle Fourche was like in the early days."

All artists may apply, she said. "We will have entry forms at the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and at local businesses."

Traditional Crazy Days events, held in conjunction with the other events, haven't been forgotten, Raisanen said.

Downtown businesses will have "crazy bargains" on the street both days. Other vendors downtown will include food and jewelry booths.

A "Best Dressed Dog Contest" offers youngsters of all ages to show off their leashed canines; and "Dig for Gold" sand piles on the street will give youngsters an opportunity to dig for coins.

Other activities will include a fundraiser duck race, chuckwagon supper and outdoor showing of "The Cowboys" at the Center of the Nation Monument. Visitors are invited to take the historical walking tour around town.

For more information about the event, call Raisanen at 892-0900.