Bannack Days keeps spirit of Old West alive

Gold was first discovered in Bannack by John White on July 28, 1862. When word spread, the rush was on. Fortune seekers from distant lands flocked to the area in search of riches.

Fast forward 164 years, and people are still making their way to Bannack. Today, however, visitors come not to strike it rich, but to relive the experience of a wild frontier gold rush town nestled in the mountains of Montana.

This year's Bannack Days was especially significant. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Bannack Days, celebrated Montana’s first territorial capital, and coincided with recognition of the nation’s 250th year of independence. 

The living history festival comes to life with the help of hundreds of volunteers from across the United States and several other countries. Dressed in period clothing, volunteers demonstrate what life was like in an 1860s mining town.

Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations, ranging from blacksmithing and hat-making to a display by the 2nd Cavalry. 

One of the highlights was a Revolutionary War-era, 3-pound cannon known as The Grasshopper, which was captured from the British at the Battle of Ticonderoga in 1775. A particularly popular attraction for children was the gold panning exhibit, where some lucky youngsters walked away with a little bit of “color.”

This year’s event featured 29 exhibits and demonstrations. One of the most popular attractions was the shootout near Skinner’s Saloon on Main Street, which kept the town doctor and undertaker busy caring for the fictional victims.

A first-time exhibit was a historic stagecoach built in 1863 by the Abbott and Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire. The coach, which once carried mail and passengers to Bannack, remains in original condition and is now owned by the Bannack Association. 

Visitors also viewed replica and original firearms while 7th Cavalry reenactor Sgt. Chris Hoffert of Helena demonstrated period weaponry by firing his rifle. This marked Huffert’s fifth year volunteering at Bannack Days.

No respectable frontier town would be complete without a few "soiled doves" wandering among the saloons, and Bannack Days was no exception. Sisters Shelby, Paige and Kilee Stepper, originally from Dillon, returned for their fourth year in period costume, helping bring the Old West atmosphere to life.

For those willing to try their luck at the gaming tables, Donald and Karyn Dingley dealt games of aro, one of the most popular card games of the frontier era. This was Donald’s 32nd year participating in Bannack Days.

“I have met people from so many different countries. It is amazing,” Donald said.

“I think this is a wonderful event. It’s historically significant, and it is fun to show the world what we have here,” Karyn added.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Bannack String Band, which performed at Bannack Days for the 30th time.

Bannack State Park Manager John Phillips, who has been involved with Bannack Days for 22 years and has served as park manager for the last three, was pleased with this year’s event.

“I think Bannack Days went fairly well. Parking has always been a little bit of a challenge,” Phillips said. “Being the 50th year and honoring those people who were here when it all began 50 years ago made it especially meaningful. We had a little more of everything this year, including a new feature for kids.”

Bannack State Park has several upcoming events planned, including Living History Weekend in mid-September and the annual Ghost Walk in October.

Don and Karyn Dingley Dressed as Faro dealer and showgirl during the 50th celebration of Bannack Days on July 18-19 at Bannack State Park. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Actors simulate a gun fight on Main Street during Bannack Days at Bannack State Park on July 18-19. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

A historic stagecoach built in 1863 by the Abbott and Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire at Bannack Days on July 18-19 at Bannack State Park. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

    Tracy Scott   

    Tracy Scott   

    Tracy Scott