Have you ever wanted to take a trip back in time to the Wild West? The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area has you covered, hosting Wild West Days, the first event of its kind, on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.
Have you ever wanted to take a trip back in time to the Wild West? The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area has you covered, hosting Wild West Days, the first event of its kind, on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.
Prison gates open at 10 a.m., providing visitors with a full day of games, food, music, live entertainment and much more, suitable for all ages.
DJ Jay Walker will be on prison grounds to entertain guests throughout the day, but make sure to collect a performance schedule at the door to know when to gather for live performances by The Gentleman Bandits Band, Sojourn’s End, Arizona Old Time Fiddlers and the Yuma Orchestra.
Experience the Wild West up close with gunfight reenactments, courtesy of Castle Dome Marauders, learn to dance the 2-step with experts from the Whiskey Road Saloon, and don’t miss the Victorian Runway Show hosted by Yuma 1800s.
Various local food vendors will be on site, selling a variety of food for purchase. Adults should make their way over to the beer saloon for cold alcoholic beverages.
Enjoy old-fashioned carnival games and test your bull-riding skills on a mechanical bull. If you’d rather be around real live animals, mosey over to the Live Animal Corral.
Then, take a load off at the prison theater for historical presentations.
Do you think your facial hair resembles the cowboys of the Wild West? Enter the Old West Beard and Mustache Competition to win your very own facial hair award.
If all of that wasn’t enough, for an additional fee of $30 per person, enjoy a unique whiskey tasting experience at 2 p.m. Seating is limited, so make sure to reserve your seat ahead of time by buying tickets online.
General admission is $15 for all visitors ages 13 and over, $10 for ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. The park closes at 6 p.m.
Purchase tickets at the door or online at www.yumaprison.org/events. Proceeds from this event benefit the preservation of Yuma Territorial Prison.
“We look forward to this being an annual celebration of the wild west days of Yuma,” said YTP Director Yanna Kruse. “It’s a day of Old West fun!”
Call (928) 783-4771 for more information on entertainment and tickets.
Under Arizona State Park regulations, firearms are not permitted inside the park.
