Katy McCoy

Managing Editor

The annual Wild West Day event was held at the Kern County Museum on Saturday April 13. It has been a few years since the event has taken place at the Kern County Museum and according to those involved in this year’s production there was much more offered and even more to be seen.

Children and guests walked through multiple exhibits throughout the museum gaining insight into what it was like to live within the western era in Bakersfield. Spinning & Weaving, butter churning, milking cow and gold panning were just a few of the activities at the event.

“It’s a look back into history. Many people don’t truly understand what went on throughout this specific time period and events like these allow not only children but their parents as well to gain an understanding into what it was like for women and men,” said a local representative from the butter churning exhibit.

Another specific exhibit that stood out to some of the visitors was the Buffalo Bill’s Cowboys and Indians Exhibition.

“We have different roles that each of us play, and we have different acts that allow guests to understand who Buffalo Bill was and the history behind his story,” said re-enactor and historian, Bruce Kratt.

Many of the guests took a look back into the historical endeavors that took place during the Western era.

Julianne Stewart took both her daughters to the event to gain knowledge into what type of work and events went on during that time period. “We were going through the event calendar on the Museum’s website and noticed this particular event and we have never seen something like this before. I figured why not allow my kids to see the history and join in on some of the activities they provide and allow them to gain hands-on experience,” Stewart said.

Not only were there historical exhibits and activities throughout the day, but food was also provided as well as entertainment for both adults and children.

“My boys loved the re-enactments. When those guns started firing off they couldn’t stop from watching the entire event,” said Melinda Patterson regarding her son’s reaction to the event.

Local vendors sold an assortment of products pertaining to the event. A Petite Repose sold various items such as vintage-inspired rag dolls and cloth headbands. The Tehacha Bee Honey Farm sold handmade soaps, lotions and lip balms.

“The items that are being sold are symbolic to what was made and sold throughout the Western ages. Products were made by hand by women back then and most of the items I have seen today were made by hand as well,” said Thomas Jeffries, a visitor and avid western reader.

Some visitors tried their luck at western-themed games and activities.

Maddie Drake, 11, who visited the event with her parents, said, “I loved the horse shoes and pony rides.  The cotton candy was also my favorite.” The pony rides were provided by Bakersfield Carriage.

Admission was $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

The money that was raised for this event will be going toward educational programs for kids within the community as well as toward preserving the museum’s exhibits.

For any further information on events being held at the Kern County Museum, contact (661)868-8400 or visit www.kcmuseum.org.