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Film Festival Pays Homage to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

Marion (Mimi) Swift

Marion (Mimi) Swift, daughter of screen stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

Roy and Dale would be proud.

The Happy Trails Children’s Foun­dation‚ of which their daughter Mimi Swift is a board member‚ raises money for the Cooper Home for abused boys by playing host to a film festival in the dynamic screen duo’s memory.

The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Film Festival‚ held for 10 years around the second week in February‚ is a two-day event packed with fun.

“The foundation owns quite a few of Mom and Dad’s films – various of my parent’s films that they show at the event‚” Swift says.

In addition to showing those clas­sics‚ the event features vendors who trade or sell memorabilia‚ as well as appearances by stunt people and other actors who appeared with Roy and Dale. Stars such as Ty Hardin and Clint Walker mingle with fans and answer questions about the industry.

“It’s kind of an interactive thing with people coming to the event and questioning some of the people‚ not only about working with my folks‚ but to talk about the industry and how it has changed. It gives them a chance to tell their story‚ too‚” Swift says.

Many of the family members‚ includ­ing Swift‚ join in the fun as they can.

“They do have a big gathering on Saturday night‚ a meal where you sit down‚ have a great dinner and a show‚ with celebrity guests and panel.”

Normally on the Monday following‚ the owner of the Double-R Bar – Rogers’ old horse ranch – offers a day at the ranch‚ including a barbecue and films. In 2007‚ the barbecue was replaced by the dedication of the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Memorial Chapel at Sunset Hills Memorial Park. Rogers and Evans both are buried at the cemetery‚ and approximately 600 people attended the dedication.

More information can be found at www.happytrails.org.

Story by Catherine Darnell
Photo by Wes Aldridge

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