I’m looking for some very, very inexpensive western ideas for a volunteer round up. I’m also looking or some entertainment that would be fun for older volunteers.

Hi Amber,
Do you have a Dollar Store close by. We are often able to pick up theme decorations at ours. If decorating tables add rafia and maybe votive candles along with the decoration. Can look very nice. Do you have acquaintances that might loan you tack items?Saddles on hay bales is a good look.
Have fun!
Betty in Central Oregon

Make several copies of the back pocket of a pair of blue jeans--yes, just take a pair of jeans to your copier and make a copy of the back pocket. Trim the excess paper away, so all you have is the pocket. Glue these to a larger sheet of paper, so when you make copies, you make 6-8 pockets at a time. It should be approximately 4" x 4". Glue the "pocket" to a 11 x 14 sheet of blue paper, gluing only the edges and leaving the top of the pocket open. Purchase red bandanas--enough for each person attending your event. Fold the bandana into a cone shape. Tuck the red bandana into the pocket you glued to the blue paper. These are your placemats and napkins! You can print your theme on the placemat before you do your gluing if you'd like. Straw cowboy hats can be used for center pieces. Invite everyone to dress in their favorite denim "duds."

For a western theme centerpiece we bought packs of inexpensive ink pens and some single stem fake Blue bonnets. We attached the flower stem and wrapped it with floral tape to secure it. Then we placed them in red pitchers shaped like boots. We bought these at the Dollar Store too.

We found a nice clip art of a Cowboy hat. We enlarged it, made it double sided,laminated it, attached wooden tongue depressors and made a hand held fan for them. We've since had a few outdoor events and they brought along their Cowboy Hat fans.