Back when Manifest Destiny was a fact and snake oil on the elbow would get rid of joint pain in your shooting arm better than sarsaparilla, Wyatt Earp spent his time trying to get people the hell out of Dodge. But for the next five weekends (through Oct. 11), families can make a day of visiting a recreation of the ole’ 1870’s Western town for food, entertainment, rides, shops and attractions that make the Renaissance Festival so 250 years ago. Some of the best entertainment besides having a beer (or sarsaparilla) with lawmen like Bat Masterson or gamblers like Doc Holiday would have to be witnessing gun fight re-enactments by the Big Irons Rangers. And when the smoke from their out-of-date six-shooters falls, the Rangers — hopefully dressed in patent leather red, white and blue — will demonstrate trick shooting into the crowd (or for it. I can’t remember which one). To commemorate the afternoon there will be a vintage photo emporium where you and the family can dress up old-timey like and get a photo taken to hang up in your bathroom for years. $10; $6 for ages 6-12; free for 5 and under. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Get event and venue details here.
This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2009.
