MARIPOSA — This is the fourth year for the Mariposa Go West Festival in the historically charming California gold rush town named with the Spanish word for “butterfly.”
This family-friendly event features gold panning, roping contests, gunfight reenactments, live music, traditional native dancing, and much more.
“Go back to the days of the Old West and experience what it was like during the Gold Rush,” say organizers. “Join in by wearing your favorite cowboy or cowgirl outfit while enjoying all the activities as well as exploring the artisan and food booths.”
The festival will take place on Friday through Sunday, Oct. 12 – 14, throughout the downtown area of Mariposa, with “gunslingers, an Indian village, gold panning competitions, vendors, live music, line dancing, and other fun-for-the-whole-family events.”
This year, the Go West Fest has added the Friday night Cowboy Poker Crawl, as well as a Cornhole Tournament.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Mariposa Museum and History Center will be open so visitors can see an authentic gold stamp mill in operation. Well-known artist and elder Julia Parker and her daughter Lucy will be present for the day doing basket weaving demonstrations.
“Docents in period 19th-century costume will be on hand to answer questions, tell Mariposa ghost stories, and keep the fun rolling. Join in the fun, dress up in your best western style or period costume and come on down. Visit Mariposa to celebrate heritage and have a grand old time!”
Mariposa Go West Festival on Facebook
Please see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mariposa-go-west-festival-2018-tickets-48574591912 for more info.
Website: Mariposagowestfestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariposaGoWest/
E Mail: mariposagowestfestival@gmail.com
