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Some of our favorite Old West haunts to visit ...

 BODIE GHOST TOWN, CALIFORNIA
  CALICO GHOST TOWN, CALIFORNIA
  GAMMONS GULCH, ARIZONA
 GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN, ARIZONA
 PIONEERTOWN, CALIFORNIA
 PIONEER LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE, AZ
  SUPERSTITION MTN. MUSEUM, AZ
  TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA
 VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA
 WHITEHORSE RANCH, CALIFORNIA

Mojave Muleskinners SONORAN SAFARI (2012)

 

 

Annual New Years Celebration

January 2012
January 2009
January 2008
January 2007
January 2006
January 2005
January 2004
January 2003

2012 - The Mojave Muleskinners welcomed in 2012 at Goldfield Ghost Town!  The weather was absolutely fantastic with no rain and temps in the mid-70's! We played at the Superstition Mountain Museum and out at Goldfield Ghost Town. It was a really nice celebration and great to see folks again! Thanks to everyone who came out from California and thank you again to the Goldfield Gunfighters & Goldfield Ghost town for all of their hospitality.



  Heritage & Apacheland Days ~ Superstition Mtn. Museum 

January 19 & 20, 2013
January 21 & 22, 2012
January 15 & 16, 2011

2013 - The  Mojave Muleskinners gathered at the Superstition Mountain Museum to celebrate their  “Superstition Mountain Heritage Days-Apacheland Remembered”. The name of the event was changed in order to widen the scope of the celebration and include the history of the area. The Mojave Muleskinners put on a special “Fashion Show” and educational event at the museum ~ Lotta Nichols did a fantastic job of showcasing our characters of the Old West and answered questions about the beautiful clothing and accessories worn between the 1880′s and the early 1900′s. The world famous Yellow Bird Apache Dancers, gunfights celebrities, artists and vendors made for a couple of  days full of art and entertainment. 



What The Hell Bar & Grill - AJ, AZ


January 28, 2012  

2012 - What The Hell Bar & Grill, 10262 East Apache Trail · Apache Junction, AZ. What the Hell Bar & Grill is a neighborhood bar & grill that welcomes anyone and everyone who is looking for good food, great drinks, and a great time. Something exciting going on every night of the week and the best live bands in the valley every weekend. They asked the Mojave Muleskinners to be part of their 3-year anniversary celebration.  



Civil War Days - Calico Ghost Town, CA

February 14, 2004
February 15, 2003  

2004 - "A piece of American History traditionally takes place in the historic silver mining town of Calico Ghost Town every Presidents Day weekend. The north assaults the town defended by the south. Imagine yourself in an occupied town under martial law. Canon fortifications, hospital encampments, Robert E. Lee's makeshift headquarters and military drills are all part of the weekend town life. Abe Lincoln performs the Gettysburg Address. General Grant and troops will be arriving in town on train and on foot. Step back more than 100 years to this authentic Civil War reenactment in Calico Ghost Town."  http://www.calicotown.com/civilwar/index.html



  Apacheland Remembered Signing 

February 10, 2007

2007 - The  Mojave Muleskinners are in a calendar and a  book called  "Valentine Cowboy", by Marilyn Natoli.  It is a tribute to Apacheland Movie Ranch with many photographs of the Mojave Muleskinners! Marilyn had a vintage western photography studio in Apacheland that burned to the ground along with several other merchants’ shops. Of the few remaining structures left standing, the Elvis Chapel and the Rifleman’s barn were spared from the fire and relocated to the Superstition Mountain Museum. The Southwest Legends Gunfighters were also on hand to do some great shows.
http://www.valentinecowboy.com



  Globe Historical Home Tours

February 21, 2009

2009 - The Mojave Muleskinners were invited to partake in the 25th Annual Historic Home Tours in Globe Arizona. We were able to visit the Historic Gila County Jail & Sheriff's Office, do some gunfights and then ride the Copper Spike train and of course, rob it!! Named for the copper mining region served by the railway, the Copper Spike departs Thursdays through Sundays from the original two-story depot built in 1916 and travels to the Apache Gold Casino Resort. The 25-minute excursion follows the same route that once brought travelers to the “Land of the Apache,” nearly 100 years ago as they traveled from New Orleans to Los Angeles. We hope to have even more of the gunfighters out next time. Globe better be prepared!



  Mesa Dunes Western Day

March 3, 2012

2012 - Mesa Dunes Mobile Home Park, 7807 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207. Bringing our Old Western Town to life in Mesa! Activities all day included gunfighters, dance hall girls, shoot-outs and more! Cost was $20 per person, included all activities, dinner and evening entertainment. 

 

   Mojave Muleskinner Museum Encampment

March 10 & 11, 2012
October 6 &7, 2012

2012 - The Mojave Muleskinners set up their encampment at the Museum underneath the Superstition Mountains to kick-off the first weekend of our 2012-2013 season. It couldn't have been a more peaceful, beautiful weekend and the weather cooperated wonderfully! Special thanks go to Barb and the Superstition Mountain Museum for allowing us to join their scrumptious dinner with Boyce Arboretum and letting us have our encampment among all that history and beauty! 



  Festival Of The West  

March 21, 2009
March 15, 2008
March 17, 2007
March 18, 2006
March 19, 2005
March 20, 2004

2009 - Festival of the West proudly presents the Cowboy Spirit Award to TV's Wyatt Earp,  Hugh O'Brian, Bruce Dern - one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, and to Rex Allen, Jr., actor, singer, songwriter and entertainer. What a great time we had meeting them all! Ms. Stella Stevens couldn't have been more gracious! It's been several years since we last saw her and she is simply ageless! Every time we meet Buck Taylor, he graces us with photos and good conversation. He really is the nicest celebrity that you could meet. Spider, Red Feather, Gila Jim, Miss Rose, Arizona Annie, Sarge, Man Who Fears, Joe Renegade, Windy Bill, Cutter, Miss Lorelei and Nevada all made it out on Saturday. Preacher and Chilean Fryes were out on Friday. We also ran into some old friends like Lester, Buffalo Kid and John Sage. Always good to see old friends!



Apacheland Movie Ranch Encampment

March 22 & 23, 2003  

( Note: Apacheland Movie Ranch burned down Valentines Day 2004.  Unfortunately, the owners decided the nostalgic movie ranch would not be rebuilt and it has now gone in the way of housing developers.... We will keep this event up as homage to the nostalgic film site.)
2003 - This year, the  Mojave Muleskinners, Goldfield Gunfighters & Apacheland Gunfighters gathered at Apacheland Movie Ranch to celebrate the Judge's birthday. An excellent campsite, right on Main Street, was secured  and to the great joy of all the gunfighters, the Bordello was in full use throughout the weekend. Gunfights....hangings.... performances lasted throughout the day and evening. In addition, a very successful Sunday Service was held in the old church from the Elvis Presley movie, El Charro. Preacher spoke a fine sermon that started out with prayers for our fellow Mojave Muleskinner - Acton Ranger, our troops overseas and appreciation to all of our veterans. Windy Bill surprised everyone with his performance on the church's organ. Needless to say, it was definitely not for the faint of heart! 

2007 - Author and photographer, Marilyn Natoli, operated a vintage western photography studio at Apacheland and was there the night it burned to the ground. She has written a tribute book called, "Valentine Cowboy". It is a fictionalized account of Apacheland events and the very real people who were lucky enough to be part of it. Many photos of the Mojave Muleskinners. She now has reopened her studio at the Superstition Mountain Museum on Hwy. 88. in the "Rawhide" barn. 



Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival 

April 30, 2005
March 27, 2004
March 29, 2003

2005 - The Mojave Muleskinners and other Reenactors travel back in time at the Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival held at Melody Ranch in Santa Clarita, California for a day of walking among the hallowed streets of the old Gene Autry Ranch where Gunsmoke,  Magnificent Seven and many other Westerns were filmed. Melody Ranch is only open to the public once a year during this Festival. The HBO series "Deadwood" was filmed there.......



Country Thunder USA 

April 12, 2007
April 14, 2005
April 22, 2004    

2007 -The Mojave Muleskinners were at Country Thunder USA! Thank You to everyone who participated! It wasn't too hot this year,  though we did have some wind & rain issues to contend with on the first couple of days and some huge gusts of wind  the last day. But hey, overall the event was fantastic! We were privileged to  meet many artists, loyal fans, vendors and professional photographers from over the years! Better yet,  it was a real treat again to speak with Neal McCoy , who is always the gentleman and really takes the  extra time to make you feel special! We also wanted to mention the hard working people at Country Thunder who are behind the "scenes", those folks with the security, the food corp., and those doing the cleanup - they really are a hard working group of folks! Thank you Ladies and Gents!!

  Copper Spike Train Excursion

May 1, 2011

2011 - All aboard the Copper Spike, Arizona Eastern Railway's newest passenger train service, running roundtrips and one-ways from historic Broad Street in Globe, Arizona. Named for the copper mining region served by the railway, the Copper Spike departs Thursdays through Sundays from the original two-story depot built in 1916 and travels to the Apache Gold Casino Resort . The 2 hour round-trip excursion takes you on the same route that once brought travelers to the "Land of the Apache," nearly 100 years ago as they traveled from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Aboard the Copper Spike passengers can choose seating in a 1950s-era dome car - featuring a glass roof that provides views in all directions - or a restored lounge car. 866-979-RAIL (7245) 

   Old Country Buffet 

May 6th, 2011

2011 - Always a treat, we were asked again by the Old Country Buffet to come out and partake in several gunfights, meet and mingle with the crowds and to boot all, have dinner too! A great way to spend the evening and thank you , as always, to Bill the manager and his staff for their continued generosity and fun!

Mojave Muleskinner Appreciation Dinner 

May 13, 2012
April 16, 2011

2012 - The  Mojave Muleskinners gathered at the Superstition Mountain Museum to celebrate each other with an appreciation dinner. Set up in the renowned Apacheland Barn - made famous by the "Rifleman" TV series - we all noshed on BBQ from Famous Dave's.  Windy Bill thanked everyone for their contributions and efforts throughout the year making it one of the best! To top it off, we were treated to a special video showing with a slideshow of some of the best pictures &  MM videos from the season. Thanks to Gnarley and Dusty for setting that up for us! It was a fantastic ending to a wonderful and relaxing evening.

Mescal Movie Location

May 15th, 2004

2004 - The Mojave Muleskinners walked the same streets as Lee Marvin, Paul Newman, Jack Palance, Frank Sinatra, Danny Glover, Kurt Russell, and Sharon Stone, to name a few! Mescal, the legendary movie location where Outlaw Josey Wales, Maverick (remake), Buffalo Soldiers, Tombstone, the Quick and the Dead and many other Westerns were filmed. Normally a closed set, Mescal just recently opened to the public. Mescal offers a complete western town with 44 western buildings which include a bank, sheriff's office, ranch houses, farm house, jail, two saloons, corrals, two-story hotel, and an 1860s fort. The 60-acre location sits in a high-desert plain easily representing terrains throughout the American west. Sweeping vistas and majestic mountains can be seen (or not) in the distance. Property is surrounded by open-range owned by the state of Arizona. Head East on I-10 to exit #297. Head North on Mescal road for 3 miles. Turn left where the pavement ends. Head West 1/2 mile on dirt road to the town of Mescal. Call ahead for tour information. See our links page for days and times.

  Wild West Encampment

May 19-20, 2012 
May 13-15, 2011 
May  2009
May 16-18, 2008
May 18-20, 2007

2012 -  Annual Wild West Encampment was held at Pioneertown, California. Pioneertown is a living old western town where TV programs and movies of the late 1940's and 1950's were filmed, including Gene Autry TV shows, The Annie Oakley show, Range Rider, The Cisco Kid and a long list of various western productions. Sutlers, Period Vendors, Townspeople, Mounted Shooters, Period Musicians including Dave Bourne from HBO's Deadwood and several Gunfighter groups:  Desert Guns, Mojave Muleskinners, Goldfield Gunfighters,  Gunfighters For Hire, Law Dogs 'N Ladies, Pioneertown Posse and Border Renegades and many others joined together for a weekend of historical reenactment.

   Kidsfaire Family Expo 

June 2 & 3, 2007

2007 - The Mojave Muleskinners spent a weekend at the University of Phoenix Stadium entertaining folks at the Kidsfaire - America's Family Expo. They advertise themselves as the "largest event of it's kind in the country featuring the best in educational resources, clothing, gear, home and garden products as well as all the best products to enrich the lives of families everywhere." There were numerous things for the kids to do including scuba diving, rides and various entertainment - though we did get tired of telling folks we weren't the Wild West Dog Show!  Lines were so long that people had to wait almost 2 1/2 hours to get in! The event benefited three of the State’s most respected non-profit children’s organizations - Ronald McDonald House Charities, National Head Start and the Children's Crisis Center .

  Cowboy Rendezvous 

June 5 & 6th, 2004

2004 - Second Annual Calico Gunfighter Rendezvous. Gunfighting groups from all over gathered to set up encampments, have gunfights, chili cook-offs, costume contests, cowboy poetry and just get together. The Mojave Muleskinners set up their encampment next to the Calico School House up on the hill. Congratulations to those brave Mojave Muleskinners who took the opportunity to finally graduate from the Third grade! 

  Heber Valley Historic Railroad 

June 23rd, 2007 

2007- The Mojave Muleskinners took a road trip to visit the Heber Valley Railroad's Steam Engines - Utah's magnificent steam passenger railroad. It's an historic tourist attraction based in Heber City, Utah. Trains cross the farmlands of the Heber Valley, follow the shore of Deer Creek Lake and descends into a majestic and breathtaking canyon. The track follows the Provo River to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. We got to ride and rob the train while taking  in the beautiful scenery of the area. On July 7, 2007 they celebrated their 100th anniversary!  

     Shootout On Whiskey Row 

July 29, 2012 
July 24, 2011 
July 25, 2010 

2012- 7th Annual “Shootout on Whiskey Row” presented by The Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies. The 100 block of South Montezuma Street in Prescott, Arizona has long been known as Whiskey Row, for the that fact that it once hosted over 40 saloons. Although threatening to rain, the weather provided a nice reprieve from the scorching heat of the Valley. Several fine groups were up there participating in the competition. Mojave Muleskinners were asked to come up and join the festivities and though not in the competition, we were honored to be the "grand finale" ~ once again providing the crowd with our unique entertainment and setting off a few car alarms to boot!  

Virginia City Rendezvous 
August 16 & 17th, 2009 
August 16 & 17th, 2003 
1999 Train Robbery  

2009 - The Mojave Muleskinners traveled to Virginia City, Nevada to participate in filming a commercial for Enfuego Productions directed by Tony Ritter. Luziana Liz, Lucky Sumtyms, Rufus T, Capt. Ball, White Horse, Man Who Fears, Pepper and Smilin Jack  got to spend the weekend riding the train and enjoying the sites that Virginia City has to offer. In the time between the early 1860´s through the 1890´s, Virginia City was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the west.   The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is by far the most famous of all American short lines. In its hey-day, as many as 45 trains a day arrived and departed Virginia City hauling millions of dollars in gold and silver ore from the Comstock.

  Bodie Ghost Town  

August 18th, 2003 

2003 - Bodie is an authentic mining town in the Eastern Sierra. It thrived from 1859 till 1933 when it was abandoned by all except for their banker who always insisted the mines will produce again and so will the town. It never happened and has since been picked up by the park service. It looks the same as it did back then, including artifacts inside the buildings. Most of the town is gone due to fire, but there are still 20-30 buildings to wander in and around and taste their history.  Mojave Muleskinners had special permission, for the day, to wear full costume (including guns) into this historical place for pictures. This is a rare privilege and as such, we again give our sincere thanks to the Bodie California Park Ranger Service for giving us this unique honor.

Rikki & Daz w/ Glen Campbell

August 2002  

2002 - The  Goldfield Gunfighters & the Mojave Muleskinners were the real stars in this music video with Rikki & Daz, English Pop recording artists.  They spent a day in Goldfield Ghost Town filming the video which included a guest appearance by the legendary Glen Campbell - one of the most popular country musicians of the late '60s and '70s.  The production is a new version of Mr. Campbell's 1975 Top 10 hit, "Rhinestone Cowboy". Their song is already an enormous hit in Europe. The music video was released in England November 2002, then in the United States soon after. ©2002 - D&R Productions

  Gunfighter Rendezvous & Gammons Gulch 

August 2008
September 1, 2012

2012 - The Mojave Muleskinners joined other reenactment groups for the Rendezvous of the Gunfighters in Tombstone, Arizona. It is an annual event held each year on Labor Day weekend. This year we were introduced to a new establishment in Tombstone, Doc Holliday's Saloon and met the owner, Louisiana John who teaches a mean game of Faro. Always fun to walk among the ghosts down the streets of historical Tombstone.

Filming of "Gunslingers"©

September 2001  

2001 - The Mojave Muleskinners in the 35mm production of Gunslingers©2001 - Kinney Films. A movie written and directed by USC graduate film student, Michael Kinney and produced by Kristin Hatcher. A weekend in September was spent filming at the renowned Paramount Ranch located in Agoura Hills, California. The movie premiered to an enthusiastic audience on Tuesday, October 8th, 2002 at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles, California.

Wild Western Festival

September 28th - 30th, 2007
September 23, 2006

2007 - The Mojave Muleskinners attended the 3rd annual Wild Western Festival held at  Pioneer Living History Village off of I-17 in Phoenix, Arizona. The village/museum in itself is something to see with over 90 acres of an old 1800's town - authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions. It was a very warm...correct that, HOT weekend! The festival, touted as where "History meets Hollywood!", had the best of the west with a full blown old west encampment featuring the Mojave Muleskinners! It was probably one of our best with over 10 tents and Chuck wagon! Trading Post vendor encampment  with 100's of artisans selling their wares. Entertainment with wild west performers, award winning Native American dancers, and stage shows featuring nationally known acts such as Dave Bourne, the renowned piano player from the HBO series, "Deadwood". We were very fortunate to have Mr. Bourne visit the camp and give us our own concert! Thank you, Dave! Till next time! 

  Calico Days

October 6 & 7, 2012
October 8 & 9, 2011

2012 - Going to Calico Days is always a treat for our group. We have many fond memories of years past spent in the town, spending time with Misfire Mel and hiking the hills around us. This year we camped up by the school house again overlooking the hallowed streets of Calico. Still the wonderful place and great folks that we remembered. Thanks to all the hard-working folks that did so much put this all together! We look forward to attend more events at Calico in the future! 

  Day Of The Cowboy

October 13th, 2012
October 9th, 2010

2012 - The Mojave Muleskinners celebrated the Day of The Cowboy at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort in Gold Canyon, Arizona. The official date for the National Day Of The Cowboy is held in July, but it gets way too hot in Arizona, so they decided awhile back to celebrate in October and the weather was fantastic. What a turnout! Lots of folks came out to watch us shoot up the area, shop, eat vittles and later enjoy fireworks under the desert sky! With the addition of our new-fangled town, it really brought the Old West to Gold Canyon! 

  Wild West Days 

November 5 & 6, 2011

2011 - There was something for everyone from the oldest to the youngest Cowboy and Cowgirl during Wild West Days.  The 4-day Wild West Days celebration was held in the historic Western Town of Cave Creek, Arizona, located just north of Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. We did two shows each day and had fun with the public the rest of the time.    

  Ronald McDonald Charity Shootout 

November 6 & 7, 2010 

2010 - The Mojave Muleskinners chose this date to host a charity shootout event for the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House held in Pioneertown,  California.  The camaraderie and support by everyone was exceptional. Along with the donations, we all helped raise awareness of the type of service the Ronald McDonald House provides to families in need. This non profit organization is very important for parents that need assistance during critical medical procedures for their children providing housing free of charge during those trying times.   

   Mesa Old West Days 

November 10, 2012
November 11 & 12, 2011
November 20 & 21, 2010
April 2007 

2012 - The Mesa Old West Days Festival decided to pack 2 days of their event into 1-day this year on Main Street Saturday November 10th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. following the Veterans Day Parade. Teaming up with the Downtown Mesa Association, they featured all local Arizona talent this year for entertainment, like the Red Mountain Bluegrass Band. Mojave Muleskinners did their usual great job with gunfights galore. Other attractions were: Fast Draw Competition, Various Vittle Vendors & Refreshments, Western Merchants and Artisans, Kiddie Rides, and Old Time Blacksmith Demonstration. We were also treated to a visit by the Buffalo Soldiers. Really nice folks!

  Tombstone, Arizona

November 2012
November 2003

2012 - The Mojave Muleskinners decided to road trip to Tombstone, Arizona for a weekend of fun! Some of the AZ-MM's met up with some of the CA-MM's as they toured the historic city. They even were given some private tours of parts of Tombstone not allowed for the public. Lucky dogs.... Again, our thanks to Steve Goldstein, Owner of Big Nose Kate's Saloon for all of his hospitality!

   Harvest Fair

November 5th, 2005
November 6th, 2004  

 

   Earnhardt CDJR Hoedown

November 16th, 2012

1st Annual Earnhardt CJDR Wholesale Parts Open House/Hoedown, 1301 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert, Arizona. The Mojave Muleskinners were asked to help Earnhardt celebrate their first Hoedown. Performances were in the evening, so the flames coming out of the guns were spectacular! Casino Night, live music, pettingzoo, bouncy house, food and our crowd-pleasing LOUD gunfights made for a fun-filled evening for the entire family!

  Whitehorse Ranch Memorial Encampment

November 9th - 11th, 2012
November 13th - 15th, 2009
November 14th - 16th, 2008
November 10th - 12th, 2006
November 12th & 13th, 2005

2012 - Mojave Muleskinners attended the annual Chris Menyhart Memorial Encampment generously hosted at the Whitehorse Movie Ranch by proprietor German Pete and his wife, Minnesnowta Maureen. It was a wonderful weekend with friends and an abundance of food!  
 

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