Ushers Ferry Wild West Weekend
June 28th & 29th. 2003
Written by Jeff Radaj
Like a stampede of spurs and sixguns, the Willi Territorial Rough Riders took to the streets of the Ushers Ferry Historical Village, for Usher's Wild West Weekend 2003. This year with the help of the Kishwaukee Valley Vigilance Committee and various side-winders and gunslingers, the spectators not only enjoyed the shootouts and rebel-rousing. But also enjoyed some of the very best weather that the Ushers Wild West Weekend has ever seen.
Once again, the first series of the day began with a Hollywood vs. Reality series, which involved a scene from the John Wayne film RioBravo, which was followed by humorous saloon disturbance. The reality portion involved a famous gunfight of Wild Bill Hickock's, which was then followed by a vicious shootout that became know as the Newton Kansas Masacare.
This years main presentation involved three
stories from Iowa's frontier history. The first presentation was centered
around the first hanging in Iowa. In which a known killer by the name
of George O'Connor, was tried and then hung by the angry citizens of Dubuque.
The second presentation was based on the legend of Louisa Massey. This
presentation involved a feud over a mining claim, which would eventually
conclude with a young woman facing off with a vicious killer, in order
to save her brother's life. The final chapter from Iowa's Past was based
on the Bellview War, in which gang of rustler and thieves were severly
brought to justice by the local citizens of Bellview, Iowa.
Other presentations included the Gunfight At The OK Corral, a "Ladies" Duel, a bank robbery and a "kids" bounty hunt, which was then followed by the "final showdown" between the local Vigilance Committee and a Gang of outlaws, that try to spring their pals from Jail.
This year, following the main event, spectators were welcomed to a chuckwagon dinner and barndance. Live music was provided by ------------------- and the dances were taught by two familiar faces of Civil War reenacting, Mr. and Mrs. Johns Olsen. However, needless to say, the diner was incredible and the barn-burner was in multiple ways "breath-taking"!
But once again fun, safety and the participation of the dedicated volunteers made the weekend a great success.
2003 Event Pictures - COMMING SOON!!!
2002 Event Review - Ushers Ferry Wild West Weekend
2002 Event pictures - click here
2002 Event Review from Washington Post
2002 Newspaper article from Washington Post
The Willi Territorial Rough Riders (Wild West Reenactors Home Page)
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