Ohio town celebrates Roy Rogers with fest, museum


July 29, 2012 at 12:30p.m.

Ohio town celebrates Roy Rogers with fest, museum

Associated Press

PORTSMOUTH, OHIO

Happy Trails! The southern Ohio city of Portsmouth celebrates hometown hero Roy Rogers in an annual festival this week that also features a new museum’s opening.

A ribbon-cutting will be Wednesday for the Roy Rogers Memory’s museum that’s intended to be a year-round attraction. Organizers will have movie posters, autographed photos, a cowboy hat and other items on display. A larger museum in Branson, Mo., closed a few years ago after declining attendance.

The late Rogers was born in Cincinnati as Leonard Franklin Slye. He starred in movie westerns, including “King of the Cowboys.” He also teamed with his late wife Dale Evans in a popular 1950s TV series.

The festival marks the 100th anniversary of Evans’ birth year.

The four-day festival features singers, memorabilia and other entertainment.