John Wayne is an American icon, going beyond his on-screen presence and extending to the values and ideals he symbolized and communicated throughout his life. John Wayne’s legend is celebrated on John Wayne Day, which takes place each year on The Duke’s birthday, May 26. John Wayne: An American Experience in the Fort Worth Stockyards will host two celebrations to commemorate the day.

During the day, visitors to John Wayne: An American Experience can sample cookies and Gold Handle Coffee in John Wayne Stock & Supply, the flagship retail store located outside the exhibit. That day, the shop also will launch its new “America, Why I Love Her” 50^th anniversary collection. “America, Why I Love Her” is a Grammy-nominated recording featuring patriotic poetry recited by John Wayne.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation will also be on-site, telling guests about the John Wayne Grit Series, which includes five picturesque run locations across the west, including Fort Worth.

The exhibit will be open till 3 p.m. (last tickets will be sold at 2 p.m.), when it will close for the second John Wayne Day event.

From 4 to 7 p.m. a private event will be held celebrating John Wayne Day. A limited number of tickets are available for $41.95. You can also donate to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation at checkout.

The event includes:

• Bandana embroidery with W. Durable Goods (bandanas available for purchase in John Wayne Stock & Supply)
• Hat branding with Stetson (hats available for purchase at John Wayne Stock & Supply, or bring your own)
• Duke Spirits tasting: “Wild Goose” and “Monument Valley” cocktails from John Wayne: The Official Cocktail Book
• Family signings by Ethan Wayne, Anita LaCava Swift, Marisa Wayne and Patrick Wayne (pictured above)
• Reveal of the Ultimate Ranch Truck, John Wayne edition, created by Pivot Bio and Sparks Motors Company
• Reveal of the Duke ’68 replica belonging to Ethan Wayne.

Sprawling over 10,000 square feet, the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit is structured to give guests an intimate tour of the life of John Wayne.

Donations to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation can be made at John Wayne Stock & Supply and at johnwayne.org.