Dining with the Dead celebrates their 16th anniversary this month
One of Yuma’s historical attractions is back for its 16th year.
This year, the Dining with the Dead event is offering something new and something old for all to discover and it’s all for a good cause.
The event is on January 27 in the Pioneer Cemetery.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. They can be found at the Book Nook in the Foothills, Bobby’s Territorial Harley Davidson, Jack Mellon Mercantile, which is over on Madison and the Colorado River Historical Park inside the Yuma Visitor’s Center building. Randy Smith, President of the Colorado River Riders helps coordinate this event. He told News 11 that this year will be a little different than years past. “This year it is going to be a dinner show … and the fact that you’re learning a little about the history of Yuma, you’re having a really good meal and there may be extra entertainment that you don’t know about that has not happened before, it’s going to be a great event,” he said. There will be two shows with the first one starting at 4 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. “We will have some static displays to tell about the folks that are here and we’re also a part of pioneering Yuma,” he said. Smith kept a tight lip as to who the characters will be this year but he did tell us about one. “Sheriff James T. Dana,” he said. “He was the first and only Sheriff in Arizona territory or in all of Arizona to be shot in the line of duty and he was shot with a glass arrow,” he explained. “The gentleman who portrays him does a fabulous job.” he added. With this year being a dinner show, they will be having Rich and Mo’s Barbecue cater. Some of the dinner items included in your ticket are: Smoked brisket, barbecue chicken thigh, cowboy beans, coleslaw, a roll and water. Tickets cost $30 and that includes the dinner and the show. All of the net proceeds will go towards a good cause … Saddles of Joy. “Saddles of Joy is a therapeutic riding facility and is specifically aimed for special needs children,” Smith said. During the event, people will get to learn a lot about Yuma’s history. Smith said why he believes it’s so important for Yumans to know about the history of this place we call home. “If you don’t know our history, there’s no way you can look forward and see what our future needs to be,” he said. Smith also recommends everyone attending to bring a flashlight.
