Buffalo Bill Days stampedes into town July 23-27

Buffalo Bill Days, Golden’s largest summer event July 23 through 27, turns 60 this year, but you know what they say? Sixty is the new 40.

This free annual salute to the West’s best showman is packed with authentic western entertainment, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, beer garden, muttin bustin’ and the Best of the West parade.

The festival’s namesake, Buffalo Bill Cody, spent time in Golden, Denver and Central City with his famous Wild West Show in which genuine cowboys and cowgirls demonstrated their skills. Buffalo Bill is buried on nearby Lookout Mountain, where he has long enjoyed the remarkable view from the top.

Beginning with an easy trail ride up to Buffalo Bill’s Grave in the 1940s, Buffalo Bill Days has turned into a multi-day celebration. Events include:

• Best of the West Parade - A highlight of the festival, the Best of the West Parade starts at 10 a.m. on July 26. Attendees will see trotting horses, colorful Old West characters and fanfare, collectible cars, real cowboys, Native American dancers and more. Saddle on up to Washington Avenue in historic downtown Golden.
• Cody’s Wild West - In the spirit of the original traveling show that brought the Wild West to the world, this year’s Cody’s Wild West reflects a rugged American spirit and originality. Western performers make up this 90-minute show on the west end of the Lions Park Ball Fields on 10th Street at 12:30 p.m. July 26. 
• Live Music - The entertainment starts at 5 p.m. July 25 with live music from headliners such as Chris Daniels and the Kings and continues all weekend in Parfet Park in downtown Golden. Brad Lee Schroeder is the featured band on Saturday night along with other local bands. The Long Run “Colorado’s Tribute to the Eagles” closes out from 2 to 5 p.m. July 27.
• Mutton Bustin’ - If you haven’t seen mutton bustin’ before, make sure that you don’t miss this raucous show and Buffalo Bill Days tradition. At 11 a.m. July 27, children, ages 5 to 7 years, strap on helmets and vests and hang on to a sprinting sheep for as long as possible in Lions Park.
• Car Shows -  Automobiles in the classic and orphaned car shows beginning at 10 a.m. July 27 on the Clear Creek Bridge to 14th on Washington Avenue.

While in town, visitors can also enjoy a pancake breakfast, bull riding, little spike train rides and more.

For more information visit www.buffalobilldays.com or contact the Buffalo Bill Days Committee at 303-279-3342.