We had so much fun this weekend! We went to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm for their Wild West Show. It really was a blast. The kids were transported in time by the sights and sounds of the Wild West. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is located in Olathe, Kansas. The farmstead was an original stop on the Oregon and California trails. The farm was founded by James and Lucinda Mahaffie in 1858. It is currently a museum, often hosting reenactment events, such as the Wild West Show. Three of the original Mahaffie farm buildings still stand, and it is the only remaining stop on the Santa Fe Trail. It is a fun place to visit even when they aren’t hosting an event.
There was so much stuff to do at the farm. There were gunfights, Mariachi bands, dancers, craftsmen, and a Wild West Show. We got to take in the Wild West Show. The performances consisted of trick riders, trick shots, fire eaters, and so many others. One of our favorites was the woman who recreated Annie Oakley’s trick shot show. McKenna was real impressed with Miss Oakley. She and I went to visit “Miss Oakley” in her tent. Afterwards McKenna was inspired to do some shooting of her own. We took her to the shooting gallery. It was her first time shooting a rifle, and she hit the bullseye several times! She was a natural. The guys at the gallery were impressed, as were her Dad and I. We have dubbed her “Little Miss Sure Shot”.
Another person McKenna was excited to meet was the Teddy Roosevelt. McKenna is really fascinated by Presidents. She can tell you the name of every President, including which number they were President. She also knows facts about many of them. Her favorite President was Lincoln, followed by Teddy as a close second. She and the Teddy actor had fun swapping Roosevelt facts. As a reward for her knowledge on Roosevelt he gave her a Roosevelt campaign button. She was impressed with that.
The fair also had several performers. I enjoyed watching the Mexican dancers. The dancers represented different regions of Mexico. They were so cute. Burt enjoyed Charro Jerry Diaz. He had Mexican Dancing Horses. The horses were so beautiful, and it was really neat to watch them move in time to the music. Jerry’s wife and four year old son join him in the performance. His son, Nicholas, was so adorable. Below is a video of part of Charro Jerry’s act.
The kids got to participate in so many activities and events. Some of their favorites were riding the stagecoach, hitting the pinata, panning for gold, making wooly sheep, and leather stamping. They also got to ride horses and ponies. The kids also met other animal friends. They encountered sheep, goats, oxen, and bunnies. They even met a wolf.
There was so much to see and do that we didn’t even get through it all! If you ever get a chance to go to Olathe make sure and stop in at Mahaffie. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop will definitely be one of our regular stops now.
