Calico Ghost Town Event to Celebrate Old West Mining Days

Activities, fashions recall the spirit of California Silver Mining

In the late 1800’s when silver was pouring forth from the Calico mountains, miners and their families filled the streets of the town.  The tiny community had its own post office, newspaper, jail and boasted 22 hotels and saloons.  The spirit of those silver hey-days is kept alive in the annual Calico Days celebration running from October 8 through 10th.

 
The Saturday parade is a signature event where men dressed as miners or townsfolk and women in their gentrified costumes parade on foot and on horses through the streets of town.  On a smaller scale than the Rose Parade, this event is juried with prizes for the best representations.

No old West celebration would be complete without the good guys taking on the bad guys with gunfight exhibitions in the streets throughout the weekend.

Die-hard men, and even a few women, try their hand in the miner’s triathlon.  Watching people as they try to move a boulder, rake muck and finally compete in arm wrestling can prove highly entertaining.

Burros were the means the miners used to pack their silver finds and ride down the hills to the claim office.  To commemorate this, burro races have become a staple of Calico Days.  Competitors pack the burros and move them to various stations to collect up to 5 pounds of “silver ore”, taking the burro down the hill to the claims office for a certificate.  Burros, with a mind of their own, make this event a true challenge for participants and loads of fun for those who watch.

Entertainment plays a major role during the two-day event and this year is no exception.  Headlining the weekend is Stealing Angels, a Country-Western band with strong bloodlines.  Tayla Lynn is the granddaughter of Country legend Loretta Lynn; Jennifer Wayne is the granddaughter of actor John Wayne and Carolyn Cuthbert is a direct descendant of Daniel Boone.  Their song, “He Better Be Dead”, is moving up the Billboard Country charts.  Also appearing is Cowbop with Bruce Foreman.  Fusing Country-Western with jazz, this band is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  The Erin Alden Band, Kellie Rae Band and California Borderline are also scheduled to appear throughout the weekend.

Children of all ages will enjoy the variety of contests and games as well as mini carriage rides and a petting zoo. 

The fun begins October 8th and runs through Sunday, October 10th.  Admission is $10 adults; $5 ages 6-15 and free for children under five.  Active military admission is $5 adults; $3 ages 6-15. Military identification must be presented.

Calico Ghost Town is located at the Ghost Town Road exit on I-15 between
Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  Camping may be booked online at
www.sbcountyparks.com and camping prices include admission for up to six persons per unit for the event throughout the weekend.  Cabins and bunkhouses are also available and may be reserved by calling the park at (800) 86-CALICO.
www.calicotown.com