Shootists Heading for Yuma State Territorial Prison’s 10th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters
It’s High Noon and showdown time once again in Yuma, Arizona as Old West re-enactment groups get ready to perform at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park’s 10th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old West re-enactment groups the Southwest Ghostriders, Arizona Ghostriders, Pistols & Petticoats and the WesTroupe will act out skits set in the time periods from 1876 to 1909 for coveted prizes sought for more than nine years of competition. The event draws thousands from around the Southwest to experience the old west lore in this historic territorial prison setting. Serious Wild West enthusiasts and families looking for fun will enjoy the authenticity of the performers’ clothing and firearms as well as the colorful and amusing skits. The competitors will perform skits judged on costume, plot continuity, dialogue, character portrayal, verbal expression, body language, use of weapons, stunts, timing and entertainment value. Judges deduct points for vulgarity, forgotten lines, just plain carelessness and wearing that “dern” modern apparel.
Even though it's all in fun, OldWest re-enactors take Yuma's Gathering of the Gunfighters event very serious. Arizona State Parks photo
The quiet streets of Yuma will once again be filled with the anguished wails of innocent citizenry crying out: “They robbed the bank!” A host of individual and group competitors from nasty outlaws, rough and ready cowboys, audacious saloon gals, to some just plain ol’ low-down dirty, rotten characters will assemble for a day of fun, competition and mayhem. For more information on Gathering of the Gunfighters, call Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park at (928) 783-4771. Admission is $5 for adults aged 14 and up. There is no charge for children aged 13 and younger. Vittles, libations, and western wear will be available for edification and perusal. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is located at 1 Prison Hill Road in Yuma, Arizona. Directions: Take I-8 to Yuma, take Exit 1 to Giss Parkway, turn at Prison Hill Road. For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the Web site at www.azstateparks.com
