Festival Of The Old West in Tooele

The history of the Old West is celebrated every year in Tooele City during the annual Festival of the Old West. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 23-25 at the Tooele City Complex and remains free to the public. The popular, three-day festival consists of three distinct events: a gem and mineral show, a mountain man rendezvous and Native American powwow. The three make for an exciting celebration that always draws huge crowds. Hosted by the Tooele County Gem and Mineral Society, the gem and mineral show covers the entire floor of the city’s complex building with colorful displays and demonstrations that fascinate all ages. Rocks in their raw form, along with art pieces made entirely of rocks and gems, are available for purchase.
At the rendezvous see mountain men in buckskin clothing, coonskin hats and listen to their tales about their dramatic lives in the mountains. Many of the mountain men give demonstrations and sell goods and food, much like they did nearly 200 years ago when they traded supplies to survive.
An ideal family event is the powwow that shares the heritage of Native Americans through colorful dance. Dancers, dressed in amazing regalia, will compete Friday through Sunday for prizes. The rhythmic drums used for the powwow pulse through the festival and create an atmosphere of authenticity. All of the dances are open to the public for viewing.
For more information about the festival, call (435) 882-3146. The Tooele City Complex is located at 800 W. 400 North, Tooele