Gorensky Glass | Three Days in the Wild West

Last weekend, Zibirje was once again filled with the spirit of the Wild West. The three-day Wild West Festival (On Fire) took place, attracting visitors from all over Europe and beyond.

ZBIJE – The Wild West also came to Zbijje this summer and impressed thousands of visitors, including the organizers.

A dancing couple from Argentina

“The weather was on our side and the turnout was good, so we are happy with it. Every year we try to upgrade the festival in every aspect. This year we made sure that the restaurant area has shade, which is necessary in such hot weather. We also upgraded the music program and every year more American cars and groups sign up for the barbecue competition. For the first time we had a team from Estonia and they worked really hard to transport the meat and all the equipment to Slovenia,” says Boštjan Tacol from the festival organizing team. He gives a brief introduction to the Wild West in Zbije. “We associate it with bringing together everything related to this culture: music, dance, food, horses, cars… – and all in one place. We did it again.”

Visitors from near and far are pouring in. “For a long time, there could be a dancing couple, a teacher from Argentina, who wants to come to us. Otherwise, they come from all over Europe, with an increasing number of Germans and Swiss. American culture is also becoming more and more popular in Slovenia. It brings people together. We already have more and more dancers for line dances and double cowboy dances at our Wild West Country Dance School,” says Thakor.

Zbilj and Medvod Promotions

Such international events are a huge promotion for Zbilje, for the whole city of Medward, and Iztok Pipan, president of TD Zbilje and director of Medward TV, agrees. “As far as events go, this is one of the best things that has happened here in recent years. The proposal is interesting, the visitors are cultured and don’t leave trash. We are surprised that they come from all over Europe. I met a family from Belgium who said they came all the way just for this event. It’s amazing how well it all came together. The organizers of such events say that this is one of the most beautiful venues in Europe, if not the most beautiful. We are very happy and proud. We hope that this event will continue to take place in our town,” says Pipan, who says he is not a typical visitor to such events. “Of all the media companies I know, Radio Sola is by far the most nationally oriented,” he adds. This is probably true. We meet the editor-in-chief, Tanja Barašin. “I’m a fan of the Wild West and when he moved to us, to Slovenia, it was the best. I’ve been dancing country dance for many years – for relaxation, fun, even for pastime. You get rid of your worries on the dance floor when your mind is clear. The event in Zbije is great. This year I think it’s bigger and it’s hard to say it’s better organized because it’s like this every year. There are a lot of musical performances, dance workshops, stalls with different offers, American cars, American food… It’s a wonderful event that has developed a lot over the years and I’m sure it will continue to grow,” she is satisfied.

The fun of electric cow

There is a lot of laughter and fun with the electric bull. It offers a riding challenge for people of all ages. Nika Štembergar from Begune is one of the youngest. She came to the Wild West with her brother and parents. “I really like it here. I am most excited to ride the electric bull because it makes you go everywhere and it is fun. I can’t wait to tame him. I rode him ten times today and it’s going pretty well. It’s true that my legs are hurting. I also like the cowboy hat. My mom lent it to me and I can do tricks with it.” She is excited. She says she will come again next year.

Organizers say the event will still take place in Zbije, but Ljubljana also wants to host it. “Until Zbije is full, we will stay in this beautiful venue,” Takor assured.