Bannack Days celebrates the wild west

The beautiful July day was shattered by the sound of gunfire and the acrid smoke filled the air. Amid the body strewn street the gunfighters headed to Skinner's Saloon with the drunken Assayer in tow leaving the dance hall girls standing about in shock. The Wild West had settled another score and Bannack Days was off and running.

This past weekend was the 39th year that the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dept. and the Bannack Assoc. had celebrated the stories of the West. Within the two day celebration it was expected that over 6,000 inquisitive visitors would come to town to hear the stories of the "Crying Baby House' (or the House with the Yellow Door) or hear of young Dorothy Dunn who drowned at 16 years of age and now appears only to little girls who might come looking for her.

The eager would wander through the magical buildings of the first Territorial Capitol of Montana, Bannack. They would listen to Mr. Banjo and Friends, or the Ragtime Piano Player, or listen to the debate "Should Women Vote?" They could take part in the many demonstrations on candle making; soap making; ice cream churning; or watch a magic show, a juggler or have their mystic cards read by members of the Butte Magic Club.

Soon they would scurry over the hill to the Gallows as it was rumored that Sheriff Plummer (played by Jack Bonham of Hamilton) was to be hung. He pleaded his case to those present – first stating his name was Plumer with one M not two and would try to persuade all that it was members and miners of the Confederate Cause that were being killed for sending to the south the gold mined in the area. Then, he met his fate.

This celebration is made believable by the many re-enactors who take part and the vendors who willingly share their talents with the participants.

The re-enactors, such as Dave and Donna Holbrook of Whitehall, are dedicated to sharing the stories of the past and, perhaps, shedding some new light on the events and travel to many events throughout the West.

For those who wish to walk with the dead, the weekend before Halloween Bannack will once again welcome visitors to come and spend churning; or watch a magic show, a juggler or have their mystic cards read by members of the Butte Magic Club.

Soon they would scurry over the hill to the Gallows as it was rumored that Sheriff Plummer (played by Jack Bonham of Hamilton) was to be hung. He pleaded his case to those present – first stating his name was Plumer with one M not two and would try to persuade all that it was members and miners of the Confederate Cause that were being killed for sending to the south the gold mined in the area. Then, he met his fate.

This celebration is made believable by the many re-enactors who take part and the vendors who willingly share their talents with the participants.

The re-enactors, such as Dave and Donna Holbrook of Whitehall, are dedicated to sharing the stories of the past and, perhaps, shedding some new light on the events and travel to many events throughout the West.

For those who wish to walk with the dead, the weekend before Halloween Bannack will once again welcome visitors to come and spend time with some of the "ghosts" of years gone by.