Following the success of the original Far West Festival from September 1994, the concept returns to Frontierland for another season of special events which aim to turn Thunder Mesa into a living, breathing Wild West town with the help of live characters and extra streetmosphere. The blacksmith and the undertaker make appearances, whilst the riverboats welcome a card shark displaying sleight-of-hand tricks. The cowboy lifestyle is brought to life with lasso demonstrations and Native American culture is featured with totem-pole carving, face painting and traditional dancing from members of the Sioux and Cheyenne-Nez-Percé tribes. A comic Western pantomime recreates an encounter between John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

Entertainment includes singing, line dancing and live music from Frontier Bass, the Hill Billy Trio, the Dixieland Band and the Electric Cowboy. Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are joined by characters from Pocahontas, sheriff Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale as Native Americans and Mickey and Minnie as cowboy and cowgirl.

The festival spreads beyond Thunder Mesa with the Howdy Main Street Parade most days at 12.30pm, leading guests toward Frontierland with cowboys, Indians and strolling musicians. The festival continues until 23rd June 1996 and includes the premiere of Pocahontas, le Spectacle in mid-May.

Related Timelines  Show, Parade & Event Premieres

Tags  Disneyland Park • Entertainment • Far West Festival • Festivals • Frontierland

More  This Day • This Month • This Year