People of the Earth Days returns to town with packed schedule

The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is hosting the second annual People of the Earth Days, June 25-28.

Join internationally bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear for a taste of the real west, including tours of ancient American Indian archaeological sites, a trip to the Dinosaur Center and a drive through Wind River Canyon.

The Gears will also be doing personal readings of their literary works.

The weekend begins with a reception at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company.

There will be a discussion of the history of buffalo and what it takes to raise buffalo during the evening.

Friday’s schedule includes a trip to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and dig tour with Greg Willson beginning at 8 a.m., followed by a guided tour through the museum at 9:30 a.m.

The Gears will be at Storyteller for a book signing later in the afternoon at 4 p.m. along with Steven W. Horn, Wyoming author of The Pumpkin Eater and Another Man’s Life. The day finishes off with a Night At the Museum at the Hot Springs County Museum.

A buffalo burger and brats dinner will be served and the Gears will give a private reading of the book they are currently writing. Guests will be the first to hear the newest material.

John Fish joins the Gears on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at the Legend Rock Petroglyph site, one of the oldest and best examples of the Dinwoody rock art in the world. Nearly 300 individual petroglyphs cover the past several thousand years at the site.

Water and a light snack will be provided to participants who are encouraged to wear good walking shoes for the trip.

On Sunday, a tour of Wind River Canyon will be directed by Barb Vietti from 8 a.m. until noon. You will learn about medicinal plants found in the canyon as well as the geology of the area.

Join the Gears at 1 p.m. for an ice cream social at Black Bear Café, then finish off the weekend with a final party in the Days Inn Courtyard from 3-6 p.m.

Registration for the weekend will be $150 per person for the adult package and $75 per person for children.

For more information, please call the Chamber at 864-3192.