 .
 Some of our favorite Old West
haunts to visit ...
BODIE GHOST TOWN, CALIFORNIA
CALICO GHOST TOWN, CALIFORNIA
GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN, ARIZONA
PIONEERTOWN, CALIFORNIA
PIONEER LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE,
AZ
SUPERSTITION MTN. MUSEUM, AZ
TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA
WHITEHORSE RANCH, CALIFORNIA
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.
Apacheland Days ~ Superstition Mtn. Museum
January 21 & 22, 2012
January 15 & 16, 2011
2012 -
The Mojave Muleskinners gathered at the Superstition Mountain Museum
to celebrate their third Apacheland Movie Ranch Days. Apacheland,
destroyed by fire in l969, rebuilt and razed by fire, again, on
Valentine’s Day, 2004 still lives in the hearts and
minds of thousands of western movie buffs and two of its most famous
buildings, which survived both fires, stand tall once again at the
Superstition Mountain Museum on the Apache Trail. They were disassembled,
moved and reconstructed in 2005 and once more the Elvis Memorial Chapel
and the famous Apacheland Barn ( also known as the Audrey Murphy Barn) are
now open as museums in their own right….testimonials to the many western
feature films and TV serials that were produced there from the late l950s
until the town’s demise. Not
only was it a chance to meet and reminisce with Alumni stuntmen and actors
but there were reenactments by the Mojave Muleskinners, performances
by Apache Dancers, Gold Panning and
Black Smith demonstrations, an operating “old time” Photography
Studio, walks thru the Apacheland Barn, now a movie
museum and a visit to The Elvis Memorial Chapel, where
the movie “Charro”, starring Elvis Presley, was
filmed in l969.
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!
March 21, 2009
March 15, 2008
March 17, 2007
March 18, 2006
March 19, 2005
March 20, 2004
2009 - Festival of the West will proudly present 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
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.
Mojave Muleskinner Appreciation Dinner
April 16, 2011
2011 -
The Mojave Muleskinners gathered at the Superstition Mountain Museum
to celebrate each other with our annual dinner. It was a lovely evening
with dinner set up in the renowned Apacheland Barn - made famous by the
"Rifleman" TV series. Windy Bill thanked several individuals and
everyone for their contributions and efforts throughout the year making it
one of the best! Special thanks go to Barb and the Superstition Mtn.
Museum for everything they have done for the Muleskinners in general and
for letting us have dinner in the barn - it was a nostalgic evening and a
fun one for all! Cheers to another great year!
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 again asked 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!
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 13-15,
2011
May 2009
May 16-18, 2008
May 18-20, 2007
2011 - 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 24, 2011
July 25, 2010
2011-
6th 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. If you have ever been to
Downtown Prescott and witnessed "The Row", it would be hard to
imagine that so many saloons could have fit on one block. Prior to 1877,
"The Row" was rumored to have been located a couple blocks to
the west of its present location. But it was moved due to the insistence
of many of the local employers and wives, because the patrons of "The
Row" had to cross a foot bridge over Granite Creek to return home and
in the wet season, some of the more sot would fall into this very shallow
creek and drown.
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.
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
Tombstone & Gammons Gulch
August 2008
2008 -
The Mojave Muleskinners joined other reenactment groups for
Rendezvous of the Gunfighters in Tombstone, Arizona. It is an annual event held each year on
Labor Day weekend. We went through the mine,
shopped, saw old friends and new and even got a special tour of the haunted
Bella Saloon. Sunday, a group of us headed to Gammons Gulch.
Gammons Gulch is a movie set
located north of Benson, Arizona, in the High Desert of Cochise County with
stars like Jeff Fahey, Kristian Alfonso and Michael Smith who have been at
their location. Owner, Jay, is a wonderful host and will take you on
an extended tour. Visit their website: www.gammonsgulch.com
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 Chuckwagon! 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 8 & 9, 2011
2011 - We had an invite to period camp in
Calico, Oct 8 - 9th, 2011 in celebration of Calico Days. We were also
asked to perform some skits at the upper end of town. It has been a few
years since we last walked the hallowed streets of Calico and it was nice
to see it hadn't changed much. 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
9th, 2010
2010 -
The Mojave Muleskinners celebrated the Day of The Cowboy at the Gold Canyon
Golf Resort in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Usually, a celebration for the Cowboy
is held during the summer, but it gets way too hot in Arizona, so they
decided to celebrate in October and the weather was fantastic and Boy,
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!
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.
November 11 & 12, 2011
November 20 & 21, 2010
April 2007
2011 - Mesa Downtown Merchants were proud to announce
another celebration of Mesa Old West Days. This expanded community
centered event showcased the rich pioneer and territorial history of Mesa,
Arizona. The crowds were great and thoroughly entranced by the shows put
on by the Mojave Muleskinners. As an added attraction, on Saturday, the
renowned Southwest Legends
performed a couple of their shows - a great bunch of folks!
Tombstone, Arizona
November 2003
2003 -
The Mojave Muleskinners visited one of the West's most legendary towns -
Tombstone! "The Town Too Tough To Die " We celebrated Miss
Nellie Belle's birthday, Judge Geraldo & Miss Nellie Belle's 5th
anniversary and presented "Shorty" with his certificate of
membership! 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
2005 -
The Mojave Muleskinners, along with Law-Dogs-And-Ladies, Pistols and Petticoats,
and many other groups,
go to the Harvest Fair. An annual event consisting of two exciting fun filled
weekends of Old West Re-enactments, Old West history, live entertainment,
vendors, food, and excitement.
Memorial Encampment
November 13th - 15th, 2009
November 14th - 16th, 2008
November 10th - 12th, 2006
November 12th & 13th, 2005
2009 -
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. We had music
with Professor Dave Bourne playing guitar/piano, Jeannie on Dulcimer,
Windy Bill on piano and Preacher doing some vocals. Jubelum
Chance did a wonderful memorial service.
It was a wonderful weekend with friends and an abundance of food!
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