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Relive the 1800s at Old West Days

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Mountain Men encampers, Western re-enactment groups and 1800s period vendors will fill Ramona Outdoor Community Center for the 4th Annual Ramona Old West Days this weekend.

The public has the opportunity to experience the reality of the country’s 1800s heritage Saturday and Sunday. Ramona fourth- and fifth-graders received an early tour of the living history encampments on Thursday and Friday. Barnett, Hanson and Mt. Woodson Elementary students arrived by school bus on Thursday, and Ramona Elementary, James Dukes and Ramona Community students take their turn on Friday.

In addition to the rendezvous encampments that represent various conditions that existed in the 1800s, the weekend event will feature what organizers promise are “the best of the best” in re-enactment skits at “Showdown at Sundown.” Prizes will go to skit and costume contest winners.

Admission is free, food will be available, and guests can shop for Old West merchandise in the Period Peddler shops.

Retired U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps Capt. Jim Cooper and Steve Johnson of Ramona are coordinating the event that attracts Old West encampers from throughout the Southwest, and “Miss Mattie” has charge of the Guns of the Round Table.

“Showdown at Sundown” is a collection of Old West re-enactment groups “who aim to please as they fire away in fun and historically authentic skits,” Heather McGhee, Ramona resident and event marketing director, said.

The Re-enactment Guild of America, dedicated to the preservation and education of the history of the country’s 19th century, funds the competition prizes and ensures safety is first in skits.

“Experience the 1800s Move West adventure like a pioneer,” organizers state in their event announcement. “...Because of these extraordinary people, who persevered through many challenges, we now enjoy our life out West.”

This is a chance to step back in time, witness the living history and listen as animated storytellers talk about the Old West.

Rendezvous encampments reflect the different periods of the 1800s:

• Early 1800s — Government funds western exploration with Lewis & Clark Pacific Expedition. Early West migration families.

• 1825 to 1840s — Rendezvous period of mountain men. Economy based on beaver trappings and trade.

• 1840 to 1860 — Continued migration West. Buffalo hunting, early treaties with Native Americans.

• 1860 to1865 — Civil War stalled much of West activities.

• 1865 to early 1880s — Cattle-based economy with rise of the cowboy culture. Indian Wars period with military presence expanding. Buffalo Soldiers. Explosion of migration West, hostilities with Native Americans, towns become cultural centers with bordellos, saloons, churches and schools.

• 1890s — Statehood arrives.

Ramona Outdoor Community Center is at 421 Aqua Lane.

More information about Old West Days is online at www.ramonaoldwestdays.com.

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