LAKE COUNTY – The Old West lives on in Lake County with the return of two annual western-themed events, Wild West Day in Upper Lake on June 5, and Middletown Days, in Middletown on June 18, 19, and 20, where families can enjoy a ranch rodeo, live music, parades, wagon rides, Old West skits, and much more.

 

The 17th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 5, is a Western-themed street festival and wearing costume is encouraged.

With Old West skits, a parade, pancake breakfast, tri-tip barbecue, wagon rides and country music, Wild West Day is a family-friendly event and all ages can enter contests for best beard, bonnet and costume.

Established in 1854, the town of Upper Lake once was a former stagecoach stop along the route from Sacramento to Mendocino and today features the restored Tallman Hotel, which is listed on the California Register of Historic Resources as a Point of Historical Interest, a re-created Blue Wing Saloon & Café next door, and a former livery that is now home to an antique plumbing business.

 

Also along Upper Lake’s Main Street, visitors will find a local wine tasting bar, antiques, and collectibles from all over the world, local crafts, and fine art from throughout Northern California, as well as household necessities, pet care items, gifts, and home décor.

 

Wild West Day in Upper Lake is sponsored by the Upper Lake Community Council for community projects and the Northshore Fire Protection District. Admission is free. For information call 707-275-2000 or visit www.upperlakeca.org.

On June 18, 19 and 20, Middletown Days, a tradition for 49 years, returns for three days of family fun and features a ranch rodeo, live music, craft and food booths, children’s activities and more.

Friday features team roping in the evening and Saturday begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with a dance at 8:30 p.m. Sunday features the gymkhana.

Established in 1870, Middletown, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, is surrounded by outlying ranches, vineyards and The Geysers, the largest geothermal energy source in the world.

Middletown balances Old West charm and forward-thinking businesses with a vision for a sustainable world, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest operating hot springs resorts in California, Hardester’s Market, Boar’s Breath Restaurant, and more.

 

Middletown Days is held at Middletown Central Park, 15299 Central Park Road. Admission is free; small fee for dance on Saturday night. Team roping on Friday begins at 5 p.m. Parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and gymkhana at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. Call 707-994-1954 for information.

 

For information about guided trail rides, the 81st-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 10 and 11, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or visit www.lakecounty.com.

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