Locals get a wild west experience this weekend
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Locals had the opportunity to experience a day in the Wild Wild West on Saturday.
With hundreds in attendance, the fun event allowed locals to explore a significant period in American history.
One local, April Hettinger, says events like these are great for bringing the community together: "It's a great way for the community to come out and enjoy a Saturday afternoon. But it also brings business to a lot of our local vendors. We have some custom hats, games, food, drinks, homemade products, and local musicians. So, everybody is being supported here."
Carol Sculles, with the Yuma 1800s, a group of locals dedicated to preserving Yuma's rich cultural history, expressed that this event helps to keep our region's history alive.
"Yumans have turned out, visitors from California, and visitors from other places. It's been absolutely fantastic! Along with that, we've all learned a lot of history of Yuma and the Wild West, which we are striving to keep alive and educate our community about," says Sculles.
The event had an incredible turnout, with many more attendees than expected.
Hettinger says Yuma's history deserves to be celebrated.
"I think it's great that we are able to remember the history of the Wild Wild West and continue to make this a really cool landmark for us to enjoy," she shared.
Yuma's Wild West history includes the construction of the prison in 1876 and its establishment as a key crossing point during the California Gold Rush.