You hear a lot about Buffalo Bill around here. Why? Well, he was a big deal during his lifetime–an international superstar, in fact, in the days before movie stars existed. His Wild West Exhibition toured the U.S. and Europe and did much to cement the images of the Old West that we still hold today. He was a first-hand witness to the opening of the West: he became a Pony Express rider at age 14, enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War at age 17, served as a civilian scout for the Army during the Plains Indian Wars, and supplied buffalo meat to feed railroad workers building the Kansas Pacific Railroad. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry as an Army scout. Later in life, he created his Wild West show as a way to show the world “how the west was won.”
Although he owned ranches in both Nebraska and Wyoming, he was in Colorado when he died in 1917, and his wife arranged for him to be buried on Lookout Mountain. Thus–we have the Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite.
Every July since the mid-1940s, Golden has celebrated Buffalo Bill Days. We have a handsome statue of the man in front of the Golden Visitors Center. So–more than a century after his death–you still hear his name a lot around Golden.
This weekend, we’ll have TWO celebrations of Buffalo Bill’s Birthday.
The first takes place on Saturday from 11AM-3PM at the Rock Rest. Get on your Old West best and help celebrate with 100s of reenactors, William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s birthday. No admission. No contest fees. After all, why pay to party? Take a shot in one of the free “outfits” contest for a chance of winning cash and/or a fabulous prize from top artists and photographers. National best-selling author, Reid Lance Rosenthal, will be there selling and signing his books along with Colorado authors. Live music. Free cake. Door prizes. Surprises. Meet national author Reid Lance Rosenthal and Colorado authors. This is the Rocky Mountain region’s biggest, most-popular Cody birthday celebration party. Meet old friends. Make new friends. All are welcomed. Put on your 1800’s best and be ready to party! For more information contact David or Lee at monarchproductions@earthlink.net.
The second birthday party takes place on Sunday from 12-4PM at the Buffalo Bill Museum. Celebrate the birthday of one of America’s greatest legends, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. In the grand tradition of parties, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave will host the annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash with special activities. Sing Happy Birthday, eat cake, make crafts and maybe even learn a thing or two on this very festive FREE day. Noon: Sing Happy Birthday and enjoy free cake and ice cream (while supplies last) at the Pahaska Tepee Gift Shop and Cafe. Hands-on activities and special programs in the Museum from 12:30 – 4PM For more information, please call 303-526-0744.
This weekend and next, the Golden Elks Club will hold their used book sale. I went last year, and it was huge! It was also a good chance to see the inside of that intriguing building that you’ve probably passed on Easley Road. They will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 9AM-4PM.
Golden Elks Lodge #2740, 16795 W. 50th Avenue (map).
