LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – 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 4, and Middletown Days, in Middletown on June 17, 18 and 19, where families can enjoy a ranch rodeo, live music, parades, wagon rides, Old West skits and much more.

Wild West Day

The 18th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake on from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 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. Call 707-275-2000 for more information.

Middletown Days

In the south county, June 17-19, Middletown Days – a tradition for 50 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 a team roping event 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 a.m. on Sunday. Call 707-994-1954 for more information.

For information about guided trail rides, the 82nd-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 8 and 9, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

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