By James Bell and Cooper Slough
Hays Post

Along with the carnival and the fireworks, this year’s Wild West Festival in Hays will feature legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickok – played by Dave Wood, Ft. Morgan, Colo. – interacting with participants through July 4, at the Ellis County Historical Society.

Each day, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wood will appear as Hickok, presenting programs about the life of the man who served as the Ellis County sheriff in 1869.

On Saturday the program will step up with the addition of Abraham Lincoln – played by Russell resident Steve Burns – in commemoration of the Civil War sesquicentennial.

“We have got the most awesome, realistic, Abraham Lincoln you will ever want to meet,” said Janet Keller, receptionist for the Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th.

The Saturday show will also add Will Johnson, an ECHS Trustee, who will speak on the wild women of the west at 2:30 p.m.

During the events this week the society is also holding a raffle for an 1873 Colt .45 reproduction, complete with a handmade leather holster and display case. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or 5 for $20. The drawing will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The events are free to the public with a signature in the guest book at the society according to Keller.

For more information visit the Ellis County Historical Society website.