Tooele residents and visitors stepped back in time with activities and vendors that created a window into our nation’s early life at the Festival of the Old West at Tooele’s Dow James Park Friday through Sunday.
Among the festival’s many offerings were competitions in archery and black powder rifle shooting as part of the Mountain Man Rendezvous. A coppersmith was on hand to show how he made his metal trinkets, which were available for purchase. In addition to men dressed as trappers, Native American dancers in traditional costumes, danced as musicians pounded drums during the Native American Powwow.
All ages enjoyed the colorful and educational festivities, including the artistry of gems displayed at the festival’s gem and mineral show. Among the festival’s vendor items, visitors could purchase buttons fashioned from elks horns and bones.
Hands-on activities, like panning for gold, were another popular activity, especially for children, and added further insight into what early 1800s life was like in Utah and America.