Wild West Days’ livestock won’t exactly be alive

Historic Hillyard Merchant Committee is celebrating Hillyard Wild West Days this Saturday with a great lineup of fun for everyone in the family.

“We are going to have mechanical bull rides and calf roping of the practice kind, you know, with the plastic heads on sawbucks,” said Vickie Peterson, committee co-chair. “There really is no livestock involved.”

Children can look forward to stick horse races.

“Adults can enter, too, if they like – we divide stick horses by age group,” said Peterson.

There’s also a chili cook-off, with results expected in the early afternoon.

“Al French is one of our judges,” said Peterson.

Two live bands will keep the crowds entertained throughout the day. Market Street will remain open, but the area around Queen and Olympic avenues by the park will be closed off.

The Merchant Committee is planning on making this an annual event.

“There will be lots of things going on up here on Saturday,” said Peterson. “It’ll be fun.”