Staff Report

OREGON, Ill. — Oregon Trail Days, July 16-17 at Lowden State Park in Oregon, Ill., will feature Wild West fun in its “Wild West Show.”

A new act will feature portrayals of Annie Oakley and her husband, Frank Butler. Oakley was an American sharpshooter and exhibition shooter. Her amazing talent and timely rise to fame led to a starring role in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, which propelled her to become the first American female superstar. Her husband, Frank, was a traveling show marksman and former dog trainer who also preformed with Buffalo Bill. Marna and Doug Davis will bring Annie and Franks’ story to Oregon Trail Days, where they will present a living history and sharpshooting show.

Returning this year is Chris Camp as The Whip Guy and his wife Laura. Chris is a three-time world champion and two-time Guinness Book of World Records record holder who appears throughout the United States and overseas. He has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and made it into the top 45 on Season 4 of America’s Got Talent along with his wife and assistant Laura. From Hong Kong to Hollywood, Laura has dazzled and engaged audiences with her charm and skill as the Whip Girl. Able to hold her own with a whip, Laura adds a level of suspense, thrill and comedy to Chris’ show, taking it to a height unmatched by mere audience participation.

Joining The Whip Guy will be Dr. Dan Barth and his old-timey medicine and ventriloquism show. Dan’s antique wagon used in the performance is a faithful reproduction of an original Medicine Show Wagon. Using magic, ventriloquism and audience participation, “Doc” Barth recreates the variety performances of years gone by. The show was recognized and recorded by the Smithsonian Institute in 1980.

Randy Erwin, the cowboy yodeler and trick roper, will also perform in the Wild West Show. Randy learned to sing and perform rope tricks while working on a Texas farm as a youngster. He has performed across America, Great Britain, Australia and Japan, has two CDs, has done television commercials, and had a cameo in David Byrne’s movie True Stories.

Other “Wild West” activities include horse-drawn wagon rides and a photo emporium where visitors can dress up like cowboys and have their pictures taken.

“While the festival highlights our Native American history, especially that of Black Hawk, we don’t want to forget all the great Western activities that are planned for the event,” said committee member Beth Henderson. “Guests will get a kick out of The Whip Guy and his whole family (his wife and two children are all part of the act), as well as Annie and Frank. We think the festival will feature entertainment that is not often seen in other area festivals.”

Lowden State Park is at 1411 N. River Road, Oregon, Ill. Visit oregontraildays.org ^[1].

From the July 13-19, 2011 issue