Last month my I was invited out to the Media Premier at John Wayne: An American Experience. March 26th was my dad’s Birthday. This was the perfect way to celebrate his life. I knew David would be working. I had taken David and Charlie before. As well as my best friend Debbie. This time I asked my sister Deborah to go with me. This way we could celebrate my dad’s favorite Actor and spend one on one time or sister time together which we usually don’t get because someone is always with us.
Debbie had been asking me to go to the Fort Worth Stockyards to walk around with her and this would give us the perfect opportunity. Although the LORD had other plans for us. As it was Windy and Debbie had a Earache so we just went to the event and left afterwards. We walked into the Venue and checked in.
Debbie and I looked around the store and discussed the books we saw. I had planned open purchasing for David’s dad because I could get it autographed but David’s mom said he wouldn’t read a book. Although, if my dad had been here, it would have been the perfect Father’s Day/ Birthday Gift for him.
As we waited for the event to begin, we were able to have a cup of Irish Coffee. This was the first time either of us had had Irish Coffee. Which we both enjoyed. David was upset because he didn’t get to go with us and have a cup. We brought our Coffee cups home and Debbie gave hers to my father n Law and he loved the cup.
One day when David Sr. is feeling better and Granny Sherry can walk, I would like to bring them along with David’s Uncle Don and Barbara to this Museum and to the Cowtown at the Icis which they would enjoy visiting. Then we could have lunch at Riskey’s Steakhouse, and I could show them the town on the walls as well as the Safe from Bonnie and Clyde days.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out John Wayne: An American Experience yet, it’s really worth your time. The museum was hosting a special event in The Stockyards during Cowtown Goes Green on Saturday, March 18, which was Saint Patrick’s weekend. Hosting appearances by John Wayne family members, Duke Spirits tastings, and even sampling of “The Quiet Man Irish Coffee.
Did you know?
Released in 1952, The Quiet Man is a classic with a cult following, and one of the most iconic cinematic pairs of all time: John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film was 76th in AFI’s list of 100 Greatest Love Stories and won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Direction.
JOHN WAYNE: AN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE TO FEATURE BOOK SIGNINGS, TASTINGS ON MARCH 18
Event include book-signing by family members, Duke Spirits and Gold Handle Coffee tastings
A special event on Saturday, March 18 that coincides with Cowtown Goes Green, the St. Patrick’s-themed celebration and parade in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, will give guests an extra incentive to visit John Wayne: An American Experience, which provides an intimate tour of the life of John Wayne.
Several exciting activities will happen in John Wayne Stock & Supply, the flagship retail store adjacent to the Experience, from 2 to 4 p.m. that day.
First, Marisa Wayne, John Wayne’s youngest daughter, and Anita LaCava Swift, the actor’s eldest grandchild, will visit John Wayne: An American Experience in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The pair will be on hand to sign copies of the recently published John Wayne: The Official Cocktail Book and DUKE: The Official John Wayne Movie Book. Copies of the books will be available for purchase.
Marisa Wayne,
Anita LaCava Swift
Next, the museum will host a Duke Spirits tasting, free for guests 21 and older. Duke Spirits, led by vintner and distiller Chris Radomski, brings John Wayne’s archive of spirits and tasting notes back to life through award-winning bourbon, rye and tequila offerings.
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, John Wayne: An American Experience will show The Duke’s film The Quiet Man, which was filmed in Ireland in 1952. The romantic comedy-drama co-starred Maureen O’Hara and was directed by the legendary John Ford. The movie will be playing on a screen inside John Wayne Stock & Supply and free samples of “The Quiet Man Irish Coffee” will be given to guests 21 and older. The concoction uses Duke Spirits Bourbon and John Wayne Gold Handle Coffee, a robust blend named after the gold-handled coffee cups the iconic actor gave to cast and crew who worked on his films.
While at the event, guests are invited to purchase tickets to tour the museum.
Sprawling over 10,000 square feet, John Wayne: An American Experience is structured to give guests an intimate look at the iconic actor’s life and legacy. Starting with his early childhood and career, each room highlights an aspect of The Duke’s legacy. For film aficionados, an extensive gallery called “Life on Screen” highlights the most iconic film props and costumes. In the “America, Why I Love Her” gallery, guests can immerse themselves in patriotism through Grammy-nominated original poems recited by John Wayne.
Patrons of the Experience have exclusive access to never-before-seen family photos and correspondences that have been thoughtfully curated by the Wayne family to give guests a holistic view of the icon, whose values translate both on and off the silver screen.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
WHAT: John Wayne: An American Experience
WHERE: Fort Worth Stockyards Historic Exhibits Building
2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
TICKETS: Tickets to the Experience are $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 6-12 at. Kids 5 and younger are admitted for free.
John Wayne Enterprises’ mission is to preserve and protect the name, image and likeness of John Wayne by associating the John Wayne brand with quality and timeless products and experiences that embody the spirit of John Wayne and give back to the community. To further its mission, John Wayne Enterprises enters into selective licensing or partnership agreements in merchandising, cancer research, treatment and education as well as public facilities, institutions and agencies. For more information, please visit
DETAILS
Date: March 18 Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
VENUE: John Wayne: An American Experience 2501 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX 76164 United States + Google Map
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
