Seventy Annapolis Senior Activity Center members got a taste of the Wild West July 25 when they attended the center's hot dog hoedown.

Entering the center they saw a corral decorated with a cowboy hat and steer skulls. A horse pulled a chuck wagon and signs pointed to the stable and boot hill. Hay spilled out of the stable and a wooden tombstone read, "Snake Oil Willy, 1846 - 1880."

Balloons with black and white markings created the illusion of cows. Red, blue and yellow balloons added cheer to the scene. Glittery horseshoes with stars in the middle reminded seniors of good luck charms and the Lone Star State.

The disc jockey for the event, Bob Duckman from Annapolis radio station WNAV, started off the hoedown with vintage country: "Sixteen Tons," "Country Roads," and "Home on the Range."

Then, he spun off into the television theme songs for such popular westerns as "Maverick," "Bat Masterson," "Have Gun - Will Travel," and "Rawhide."

Duckman urged the seniors to sing along as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans sang, "Happy Trails."

Then, he was back to playing "Ring of Fire," "I Walk the Line," "Back in the Saddle Again," "Blueberry Hill," and "Way Down Yonder on the Chattahoochee."

Not all of Duckman's songs were strictly country. He celebrated a birthday with "16 Candles," and reminded seniors that dreams really do come true "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

While listening to the music the seniors enjoyed their hot dogs that had "anything you could want" on them.

When the party was over, the seniors didn't leave empty handed. They left grasping balloons or with them safely tied to purses or walkers. They also left to the tune of "Happy Trails."