Pappy, From Wyoming to Pappy in Montana

So it’s been a little while since Pappy has been out and about due to the winter snow starting to disappear in the Montana plains but I’m sure Pappy will continue to start brewing new things for this summer 2009 events.  From the Pappy Cowboy Cookout’s to the Montana Horseback Rides, now that the weather is starting to get nicer, I wouldn’t be surprized if theres something going on in the background.  Either way, Pappy is planning to attend a tourism conference in Boise ID in April. 

It’s only time before we really know what he’s up to.  But until then, Pappy has so many experiences and gigs he’s performed that someone needs to record them.  However, his name is out there but does anyone really know who he is?  The following info is about Pappy McNiven who was born in Wyoming but lives in Billings, MT. 

Dennis McNiven, known as Happy Pappy, was born in Rawlins Wyoming and grew up in his younger years around Afton Wyoming. Dennis started from a young age working with horses, mules and livestock with his father who was an outfitter in Wyoming. He married Norma Williams from Rock Springs, Wyoming and moved to the Billings, Montana area in a town called Huntley, MT. Dennis enlisted in the military and was in the military police. McNiven found himself involved with anything that was western. Dennis would entertain on his guitar in night club and at one time was in a band with his two other brothers called McNiven and Company. Dennis has been in many movies including Far and Away, Ballad of Little Jo, and River Runs Through It. The name Pappy has stuck over a number of years. Today, a western adventure along the plains of Montana called Happy Pappy’s Holdup has gained momentum for groups wanting to listen to Pappy yodel, sing and enjoy an adventure on the plains. Pappy has seven children who are all grown up and married with grandchildren. Dennis created his own western adventure company called Western Romance Company in 1999 based out of Billings, MT.

Now Pappy has some new things brewing for this summer especially for the guest who come visit for the Western culture that is provided.  There is planned to be shirts for guest to buy and a new wall tent that will hold all things for cust to buy.  It still keeps the authentic image of the West alive but also provides an additional feature for those coming to Montana to expereince the West.