Stockyard Station: Gunfighters make a big bang this summer
Look out! It’s a gunfight! This is truly where the West began, as Fort Worthers love to say.
It is summertime again and time for The Legends of Texas gunfight shows. Held every Saturday and Sunday at 11:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. in the middle of Fort Worth's Stockyards Station, the gunfight shows run in through Sept. 5.
A fun and fairly farcical gun play, the shows start out with a sheriff from the old west and his goofy deputy who come across some unsavory characters that seem to be up to no good. All dressed up in period costume, the sheriff and the desperados exchange words in between some silly antics by the deputy.
Through a series of mishaps and miscues there’s a rapid exchange of gunfire with loud bangs and plumes of smoke. When the dust clears, the patrons are left to see who is still standing.
Located smack dab in the middle of the main drag inside Stockyards Station, the gunfights draw a large crowd. It’s a good idea to try to arrive at least five minutes early to get a good viewing spot. There are numerous costumed characters, including townspeople and even saloon show girls who intermingle with the crowd as thought they too are watching the drama unfold.
The free show is a big hit with kids and families. After the shows, the cowboys and other characters stick around to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.
An open-air mall, Stockyards Station is a section of the larger Stockyards historical district at the end of Exchange Avenue on the south side. It is full of shops and restaurants with themes all relating to the Wild West, including barbecue and Tex-Mex restaurants, western outfitters, Native American crafts, and even an old-timey candy shop.
HelloMetro Tips: There are several pay lots that cost about $5 along Exchange Avenue. However, the free lot at the end of Exchange Avenue is perfectly convenient for walking over to Stockyards Station. It’s the last parking lot on left on East Exchange Ave. Just past Habanero's Mexican Cantina on the right towards the end of Exchange, there are signs for the free lot. Keep in mind it is Texas in the summertime. So, wear cool and light clothing. Putting on a brimmed hat and some sunscreen would also be a good idea.
Posted by Jenn Emerson
