UPPER LAKE >> It was a wild Saturday in Upper Lake, with bank robbers roaming the streets, chased by federal marshals and three finely dressed women with shotguns. Needless to say, gun battles ensued and the ladies always came out on top — and still alive.
The battles were mock and the bullets in the guns were blanks but the fun and excitement were real at the 23rd annual Wild West Day, featuring a parade and western skits performed by the Blue Canyon Gang.
The wild was offset by the mild as the event was geared to families, with activities that included face painting, safety demonstrations by firefighters, and a water slide that was very much in demand, with afternoon temperatures in the 90s.
“This is a family event and we come every year,” said Rob Henry of Upper Lake, who attended with his wife, Jamye Walker, and their five children. “We especially love to see the horses.”
He added that he enjoys seeing many of his friends and neighbors at the event, which drew about 1,500 people this year.
As Henry spoke, his son, Hunter Henry, 2, patiently stood next to him on the sidewalk eating a cup of ice cream from the Odd Fellows, oblivious to the crowds hustling about around him.
“The turnout is great today,” said event coordinator Debbie Hablutzel, owner of Country Carpets in Upper Lake. “I’m happy.”
The first Wild West Day in 1993 brought out about 500 people, Hablutzel said. It started as a way to raise money to buy a Jaws of Life for the Upper Lake Volunteer Fire Department, now part of the Northshore Fire Protection District..
“The community loved it so much that we decided to continue it each year,” she added.
The parade was a local affair, with entries that included the Upper Lake 4-H club, a decent showing of equestrian units, a color guard, and fire vehicles, with firefighters and guests throwing handfuls of candy to the people lining Main Street, causing a mad scramble of children.
Riding in the wildland fire engine from the United States Forest Service’s Upper Lake Ranger Station was special guest Smokey Bear.
Brother and sister Brandon and Ashley Lovrin of Upper Lake attended Saturday’s festivities, including the parade.
“I’ve been coming here since I was little,” said 20-year-old Ashley. “It brings everyone together. It’s a small town and everybody knows each other.”
She said her favorite parts of the western-themed party were the parade and all the vendor booths, selling items from pickles to handmade soap.
Brandon, 21, said his favorite thing at the festival is the antique equipment on display and in the parade. But he admitted he also comes for another reason. “The food is really good, especially the tri-tips.”
One of the more popular attractions, especially among children, was the strawberry ice cream social, sponsored by local Chapter 241 of the International Order of Odd Fellows.
Wild West day began at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Upper Lake fire station, followed by the opening of the street fair at 8 a.m. and the parade at 10 a.m.
A demonstration of country and western dancing was put on by the Clearlake Clickers dance group and western comedy skits were performed by the Blue Canyon Gang hourly from noon to 4 p.m. Live music was performed after the parade by local band Second Sight.
Members of Northshore Fire gave fire safety and prevention demonstrations from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its Upper Lake station.
Activities wrapped-up at 4 p.m. although Hablutzel said the work of event organizers and sponsors was far from over.
“We clean up for days,” she said, laughing.
