Guns and Garters
Press Reports

The part about us'ns be red. 
Red like yer blood if'n you don't read what they said about us.
 (If you see it says Pistols and Petticoats
that would be when we wuz part of that group.) 

 

HARVEST FAIR 2008
Press Enterprise
  Article appeared 11/2/08
By JOHN F. BERRY

SAN BERNARDINO - Saturday's annual Harvest Fair was one of the few locations in San Bernardino free of political yard signs now dotting the Inland Empire.  Instead, fairgoers and re-enactors intermingled amid 1880s-era facades -- jails, bars and banks -- that could have been stage props for a Hollywood western. Cowboys and saloon dancers were everywhere. Two ladies twirling umbrellas and strolling side by side, Renae Marticorena, 44, of Grand Terrace, and Lisa Taylor, 51, of Orange, briefly dropped their accents so they could educate the public. "The kids come out and say, 'cowboys and Indians,' " Taylor said. "But it's leaving out the history." The pair said their detailed costumes are homemade and they research their characters. They said they also participate in skits. "This is our Halloween," Articorena said. "Outside of being interviewed, we stay in character." Crowds grew steadily throughout Saturday as gunfire punctuated country music and historical talks emanating from three stages. People relaxing on hay bales enjoyed a clear view of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Jay Eastin, 49, a Riverside resident, dressed as an Old-West sheriff, said Saturday was the 10th year his "Guns and Garters" group participated in the Harvest Fair. "It's not difficult walking in spurs," he said. "What gets difficult is walking up and down stairs."

Ken Joswiak, who has organized the fair in all of its 28 years, said the event evolved steadily until 1992, when the western-themed event took off. "We had a cardboard jail," he said. "We used to have to beg Old-West groups to come out and perform. Now, they're calling us." Joswiak, standing next to a wooden and sturdy western "jail," said the four-day event, which continues into next week, usually draws about 8,000 visitors.

San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris could be easily spotted despite his period costume that included a cowboy hat and fake mustache. His wife, Sally, 69, was busy nearby pushing a stroller and shepherding three grandchildren. "We can't get lost. We're right here exploring old western life," she said. "It's a way to take them out of their parents' hair for a day."

 

BIG BEAR COWBOY GATHERING 2008
 bigbearlake.net
September 18-21, 2008
Big Bear Lake, CA… The Big Bear Cowboy Gathering is proud to announce that Cowboy icon RED STEAGALL is coming Saturday night September 20th to the beautiful Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center! This 9th annual Gathering will also feature DAN ROBERTS, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, on Friday, September 19th. Both stars will be joined by a long list of terrific performers and cowboy poets, with live Cowboy music and poetry throughout the weekend.

Red Steagall’s music and poetry career spans 35 years and the entire world, having performed at the White House and on three overseas tours. He is a world renowned songwriter, recording artist, entertainer, radio, television and motion picture personality. He wrote countless western lifestyle songs and poetry books, and hosts the syndicated radio program “Cowboy Corner” that plays on 170 stations across America.

The headliner for Friday’s “official” opening evening is songwriter and entertainer Dan Roberts. Dan spent 18 years in Nashville writing songs, including some for country superstar Garth Brooks. When he teamed up with Brooks and Bryan Kennedy to write the #1 smash "The Beaches of Cheyenne", Roberts was off and running. He performed as Garth Brooks’ opening act longer than anyone else in Brooks’ touring career. His talents have won him many awards including 2001 Male Vocal of the Year and 2002 Entertainer of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists and three Grammy nominations, and the 2004 Terry Awards Entertainer of the Year. Also performing on Friday will be the nationally recognized and award-winning western poet Yvonne Hollenbeck, singer Nancy Lee, and cowboy poet Gary Robertson. Dave Bourne, featured on the hit HBO series “Deadwood,” to start each performance with his entertaining saloon piano music.

In addition to the Friday and Saturday night shows, there will be two days of an Outdoor Mercantile and entertainment on the grounds of Big Bear Lake’s City Hall. Admission to the daytime festivities is FREE. The lively characters from Pistols and Petticoats will keep everyone laughing with their skits. There will be a stage coach rides and purveyors of fine things Western to tempt you with their wares. Children’s activities include rope tying and pony rides to a petting zoo and a bounce house. Beverages & food will be available.

 

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LAKE ELSINORE: Frontier Days returns to Lake Elsinore By JOHN HALL - Staff Writer | Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:39 PM PDT
LAKE ELSINORE ---- There are all the things you'd expect at a community fair.

There's interesting food choices such as funnel cakes, kettle corn and large smoked turkey legs. There's also a small midway with rides for the kids as well as those a bit older and braver. Booths for vendors peddling their wares included pirate-related items and even one advertising 12-shot repeating rubber band shooters.

But Lake Elsinore Frontier Days, which started Friday night and ends at 7 p.m. Sunday, has more than that: history.

Organizers and local historians like Ruth Atkins, president of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, hope this will be a rebirth of the annual event that dates back decades but had disappeared for several years.

"This is something that never should have been stopped. This is a great event," Atkins said from under a canopy on a hot Saturday morning as Frontier Days visitors passed by.

Frontier Days continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Alberhill Ranch Park, along Lake Street, about two miles west of Interstate 15.

"As the town has grown, I think people no longer really know just how much history we have here in Lake Elsinore and throughout Southwest Riverside County," she said.

"That's the stuff with which we are made," Atkins continued. "There is a real substance to the history here, it's not just a fly-by-night thing.

"People should realize there is a lot more here than just nice housing and some of the recreational activities available to them," she said.

At future Frontier Days, Atkins hopes the Historical Society will be more involved and help educate those who come to the event about the area's deep history.

Frontier Days is an event which dates back to at least the 1970s and was, for many years, held at the old rodeo grounds on Franklin Street. In the late 1980s, the event included a rodeo and moved to Temecula in 1990 where it continued for a few years.

This year was the right time to bring it back, Atkins and others said, because 2008 marks the 120-year anniversary of Lake Elsinore's incorporation as a city.

Recent Lake Elsinore residents Terry and Kim Newberry said knowing about that anniversary was one of the reasons they came to Frontier Days on Saturday. Their 15-year-old daughter, Courtney, had another reason: boys.

"She said she thought there'd be cute guys here," Terry Newberry said, much to the dismay of his embarrassed daughter. Courtney finally admitted her dad was right and even said she'd spotted three in just a short time at the event.

Those making their way to Frontier Days not only can partake in the unique fair-like fare, but also listen to live entertainment and watch Old West gunfighter skits performed by a group called Pistols and Petticoats.

Now that's something that brings back the Wild West history of the area's early days.

Greg Davis, 52, of Quail Valley is one of the gunslingers and goes by the name "Calico Charlie." He's been performing gunfighter shows for nearly 15 years, starting at Calico Ghost Town in the High Desert.

Pistols and Petticoats, which has about a dozen members, travels throughout California and out-of-state to perform, he said.

"We dress in authentic period clothing," Davis said. "These aren't costumes." Performers must have a good understanding of their character and rotate between being a "bad guy or a lawman," he said.

Bill Kinsey, 51, of Colton, appropriately portrays none other than Buffalo Bill. Kinsey said he is often mistaken for Wild Bill Hickok, but quickly reminds those who make that error that, while the two were friends in the Old West, he's Buffalo Bill.

"I read a lot of books about Buffalo Bill and try to get as much knowledge as I can about him," Kinsey said. "I always try to put more and more into my character."

Having performed for more than 13 years, Kinsey said he continues to get a kick out of helping the audience see some history while also being entertained.

"We do a lot of comedy in our skits and I think the audience really enjoys that," he said.

Admission and parking at Frontier Days is free.

Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com
 

 

 

Gunfight
Frontier Days once again took place in Lake Elsinore as gunfighters filled the stage at Alberhill Ranch Park Saturday. Members of Pistols and Petticoats in Riverside performed for the audience every two hours. Photo by Steve Thornton - Staff Photographer

If you go
  • What: Lake Elsinore Frontier Days
  • When: From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
  • Where: Alberhill Ranch Park on Lake Street, about two miles west of Interstate 15
  • Cost: Admission and parking are free, tickets must be purchased for rides.
Audience holding ears
The gunfire from Saturday's gunfights at the Frontier Days proved a little too loud for some of the audience members. Photo by Steve Thornton - Staff Photographer

 

Desert Dispatch
December 29, 2007 Front Page
Photo and caption

 

Daily Press
December 29, 2007 Page B1
Photo and caption

 

Arizona Parks
Press Release
January 19, 2007

Come Celebrate 50 Years with Arizona State Parks
Saturday, February 17 at Yuma Crossing State Historic Park

(Phoenix Arizona - January 19, 2007) - Yuma Crossing State Historic Park and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park 50th Anniversary festivities will begin early on February 17 and coincide with the town's Yuma Crossing Day activities in the old town area.

Yuma Crossing Day highlights the historical era of Yuma's past from the arrival of the first Spaniards in the 1500s to the mid-1900s through living history re-enactments. Attractions include historic re-enactments, tours of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, Cocopah exhibits, a fry bread sale, an arts and crafts sale, and the showing of historic movies in Yuma Territorial Prison's audiovisual Room. (see schedule below)

The State Parks 50th Anniversary commemoration will be held at 11 a.m. at Yuma Crossing. This will be a celebration with local dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent on the lawn. The 50th Anniversary displays will be featured and there will be many activities for children.

The excitement continues all day over at Yuma Territorial Prison where visitors can revel in the antics of the "Pistols and Petticoats," the meanest, orneriest old west gunfighters and a historic presentation with Buffalo Soldier, C.R. Troy Walker, 9th Calvary Sgt, and much more.

Park rangers and volunteers will provide guided tours and video showings at Yuma Crossing and Yuma Territorial Prison. Yuma Crossing rangers will provide guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Entrance fee for Yuma Crossing and Yuma Territorial Prison will be waived for this event. For more information about Yuma Crossing Day call Yuma Crossing at 928-329-0471 or Yuma Territorial Prison at 928-783-4771.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein art shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

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 website at www.azstateparks.com.

 

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BIG BEAR'S INAGURAL COUNTRY FAIR IS A "ROOT 'n' TOOT" GOOD TIME
A portion of Big Bear Village, at the corner of Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive, will transform into a bona fide turn-of-the-century country fair on Saturday, August 6, 2005 from 12 noon to 10:30 p.m. The inaugural Big Bear Country Fair is intended for a "root 'n' toot" good time for all ages to enjoy. Families now have a fun way to spend the day before Big Bear's historic 19th-century heritage Old Miners Days Parade, scheduled for Sunday, August 7. Admission to Big Bear Country Fair is free.

The day's festivities are jam-packed with live entertainment to suit all ages. Highlights include Wild West re-enactments performed by nationally ranked Pistols-n-Petticoats. Bear Valley Dandies, a strolling barbershop quartet, sing jolly-good standards along the village streets. The Armstrong Family Civil War re-enactors amuse festival goers with their interpretation of a Civil War encampment. DJs spin the latest in dance, rock and pop as well as country-western and golden oldies. Belleville Symphonie, Big Bear's favorite bluegrass band, takes the audience on a banjo pickin' and guitar strummin' journey. Rounding off the entertainment is Skeleton Key (country, folk and blues) at Stillwells Restaurant and Lounge Deck and Fantasea (Top 40) performs at Boo Bear's Restaurant's garden stage.

There are an ample amount of children's activities, including two bounce houses, face painting & balloons, a climbing wall, petting zoo and fun games like "The Prize Wheel." Big Bear's Dance Cottage's "munchkins" perform four or five routines such as can-cans and country-style tap dances.

To complement the all-day music and entertainment is shopping at quaint boutiques and dining at charming restaurants in the Big Bear Village. Also check out the fine craftsmanship of local vendors with one-of-a-kind hand crafted items.
In the evening, from 7:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the "Street Dance" will feature two live country bands, The Riders of the Purple Sage and The Cody Bryant Band! These "toe-tappin" bands are sure to get the audience on their feet. All performances take place at the corner of Pine Knot Avenue and Village Drive and admission is free.
Association logo Big Bear Lake Resort Association Press Releases

 

Arizona Parks
Press Release
January 14, 2004
Yuma Crossing Day Celebration on February 28

On February 28, the city of Yuma swings into action, drama, and suspense during the Yuma Crossing Day festival! This event explores the historical era of Yuma's past from the arrival of the first Spaniards in the 1500's up to the mid-1900's through living history reenactments.

On Yuma Crossing Day, attractions in this border town include not only reenactments, but also activities at various cultural and heritage spots, including the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and Yuma Crossing State Historic Park. Other Crossing Day events include train rides on the Yuma Valley Railway; tours of the old Yuma Territorial Prison and the Yuma Quartermaster Depot; tribal exhibits, fry bread sale, and an arts and crafts sale; and the showing of historic movies at the Yuma County Library. Shuttle buses will transport attendees to the various locations, all of which are found in Yuma's Historic North End.

One of the most fascinating events is the "Living History Walk" on Madison Avenue, held in front of the Rio Colorado Division of the Arizona Historical Society at the Century House. Scores of reenactors stationed along the street thrill spectators with their performances of early Spanish Colonials, Mexican-American War and Civil War participants, and period-dressed teachers, merchants, and townspeople. Performers give short speeches and answer questions as spectators wander through the historic area.

The fun follows into Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park where visitors can revel in the antics of the "Pistols and Petticoats," the meanest, orneriest old west gunfighters; and the "Deguello Gunslingers," Yuma's premier old west reenacting troupe. "El Charro de La Chachanilla," from Mexicali, Mexico, will also be demonstrating trick roping.

Park rangers and volunteers will provide guided tours and video showings at both Yuma Crossing State Historic Park and the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Yuma Crossing rangers will provide guided tours at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Entrance fees for each park are $4.00 for ages 14 and older, $2.00 for ages 7 to 13, and children 6 and under are free. Visitors will receive a $1.00/person discount off the Yuma Crossing entrance fee with a receipt from the Yuma Valley Railway.

 

Arizona Parks
Press Release
February 10, 2003
Yuma Crossing Day Celebration on February 15

On February 15, the city of Yuma swings into action, drama and suspense during the Yuma Crossing Day festival! This event explores the Spanish Conquistador era and provides a living history reenactment. On Yuma Crossing Day, the attractions in this border town include over 125 artisans and craftspeople offering a variety of handcrafted items along with activities at cultural and heritage spots including Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and Yuma Crossing State Historic Park with reenactments. Shuttle buses transport attendees to the various locations, all of which are located in Yuma's Historic North End

The Crossing Day events also include a crafts fair, train rides, tours of the old Yuma Territorial Prison, and so much more. One of the most fascinating events is the "living history walk" on Madison Avenue, in front of the Century House, which is the local Arizona Historical Society headquarters. Scores of re-enactors stationed along the street thrill spectators with their performances. The Spaniards came to the Southwest first and they do again along the boardwalk, followed by various Spanish Colonials, Mexican-American War, and Civil War re-enactors, as well as period teachers, merchants and townspeople. Performers give short speeches and answer questions as spectators wander through the area.

The fun follows into Yuma Territorial Prison Historic State Park where visitors can revel in the antics of the “Yuma Prison Smoking Guns,” the strangest pseudo prison inmates this side of the Colorado; the “Pistols and Petticoats,” the meanest, orneriest gunfighters in the west; the “Deguello Gunslingers,” Yuma’s premier old west reenacting troupe, and a whole bunch more Wild West re-enactors. “La Solea Flamenco Dancers” from Mexicali will perform a fabulous fandango of Castanet clappin’, foot stompin’ terpsichorean mayhem. Park rangers will provide guided tours; as well as video showings and food booths will be available for hungry spectators. Yuma Crossing State Park Ranger will also provide guided tours at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm.

 

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Sunday, September 29, 2002
Thousands Flock to Hesperia for Annual Parade and Picnic

By KIMBERLY CORBETT and GARY GEORGE/Special to the Press Dispatch

HESPERIA — Gusty, cool winds may have chilled those attending the Hesperia Days Parade on Saturday morning, but the weather did not chill their enthusiasm for the annual event feting the city and its heritage.

With Main Street festooned in red, white and blue, thousands of local residents came out to view parade floats, marching bands, equestrian units and ROTC color guards.

Old West gun show reenactments by Pistols-N-Petticoats, inline skaters from the Power Play Center and even a baboon from Cinema Safari Zoo were among the crowd favorites. Sirens screamed and trumpets sounded as each participant claimed their moment in the spotlight during the parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hesperia.

Attendance at Hesperia Days was down slightly from last year, probably because the wind wore down those watching the parade.

Around noon, event-goers traveled to nearby Hesperia Lake Park to enjoy a civic picnic featuring the sounds of a popular local band, Desert Star, who had the crowd clapping along to an energetic country beat.

Event sponsors filled the park with food and game vendors.

At the "What's Your Speed?" pitching challenge game, members of the crowd were given a chance to test their throwing arms.

Bill Johnson's 16-year-old son, Matthew, held the record at 82 miles per hour for the duration of the afternoon.

"He'll be back later to see if anyone beat him," quipped Johnson.

Ducks and geese who call the park home got in their exercise by being chased into the water by curious small children. Many in the crowd enjoyed feeding the fowl popcorn and other treats.

Some folks took a closer look at some of the world's exotic animals as Cinema Safari Zoo volunteers showcased stars like the friendly nine-foot red-tailed boa constrictor, "Mr. Snake," and a rescued barn owl named "Owlbert."

"We come out here every year," said volunteer Debbie Peterson. "We like to educate people on the animals."

For the kids, there were more than a dozen carnival rides at the park.

Bill Valentine, of Hesperia, watched as the "Gravitron" delighted his children, Nick and Kyrstyn inside.

"They're pressed against the walls," Valentine noted.

Some proceeds from the events went to support the city's efforts to build a municipal library, officials said.

Kimberly Corbett is a Daily Press intern. Gary George is a Daily Press staff writer. He can be reached at gary_george@link.freedom.com

 

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Monday, September 23, 2002
Big Crowd Takes Happy TrailsEstimated 3,000 people attend Apple Valley's Round-Up festivities

MIRA KATZ/Staff Writer

The smell of kettle corn, hot dogs and cotton candy permeated the air at the Happy Trails Round-Up at Lion's Park on Sunday.

Story PhotoScott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer

Emily Marcus, 5, rides a pony from Patty's Ponies.


Sunday's carnival culminated a two-day-long celebration put on by the town of Apple Valley, which drew an estimated 3,000 people, said Kathie Martin, town spokeswoman.

"I think this year was even more successful than last," Martin said.

Saturday's crowd was the largest of the four-day event, she said.

The day began with a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Mollie's Kountry Kitchen followed by a 5K walk and a 10K run starting at the town's community center.

The annual parade followed, stepping off on Highway 18 between Central and Pawnee roads. The route was lined with local residents waving and cheering those riding on floats.

Groomingdales, a local pet grooming business, came away with the best commercial float award, and the western re-enactment group "Pistols-n-Petticoats" won best novelty entry, Martin said.

At 6 p.m., the town marshal winner was announced as the closest race in the event's history, Martin said. Town Fire Chief Doug Qualls beat Connie Vargas by $10.50, to win the honorary title. Vargas, who raised $3,050 was named deputy town marshal.

"They both supported each other," Martin said. "Their charities are the real winners."

The many vendors at the event provided shade, shopping opportunities and conversation for the carnival-goers.

Bob Love, a longtime Apple Valley resident, operated a gifts and collectibles booth at this year's event.

"This year is definitely better than last year," said Love of his sales and the size of the crowd. "But it has been really hot the past two days."

The free parking and admission allowed many families to go out and have a fun day without having to spend a lot of money.

Donna Stoneman of Victorville said she brings her children to all the fairs and carnivals for all the cities. Her only complaint was that it was too hot to be out in the sun all day.

"It is really nice that (admission) and parking was free," Stoneman said. "It allowed all of us to come out and have fun without it costing too much."Despite the weather, fun was still the order of the day on Sunday.

"The heat and the spinning rides made me sick," said Sarah Rogers, 12. "But we are all still having fun."

Rogers was there with her friends Amanda Stoneman, 11, Courtney Stoneman, 13, Tiffany Thomas, 13, and her mother, Tracey Wain.

"We tried to make sure there was something to do for all ages," Martin said. "My favorite thing this year is the root beer garden. Children can come over, get free root beer, play games, and do arts and crafts."

Mira Katz can be reached at mira_katz@link.freedom.com or 951-6233.



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