Who’s up for a good ‘ol wild west show? Oh, and don’t forget about the BBQ! It’s Dalton Days this Saturday, April 14 in Longview. Dalton  Days is a fun and historic Longview and East Texas tradition that officially kicks off the rodeo season at the Longview Rodeo Arena. What is Dalton Days? I’m so glad you asked.Dalton Days is named after Bill Dalton who was the leader of the The Dalton gang from the late 1800′s. The Dalton gang rode into Longview on May 23, 1894 and robbed the First National Bank of Longview. The gang made off with $2,000 ten-dollar bank notes and 9 $20 dollar bills. (that’s a lot of moola)

One of the gang members handed the clerk a hand written note that read: ‘This will introduce you to Charles Spreckelmeyer, ( that name makes me snicker) who wants some money and he is going to have it. B&F” The B&F stood for “Bill & friends.” Nice huh?

The Marshal got wind of the robbery and assembled the citizens of Longview, then the gun battle  began.

The bandits made the bank employees go first into the street. While the  “posse” was busy shooting at the bank president and tellers, the gang mounted their horses and rode away.

Two Townsman died and several others, including the city marshal, were wounded.

Two weeks later, Dalton – America’s best-known bandit in 1894 – was tracked down at a cabin in Oklahoma’s Arbuckle Mountains and killed by a posse.

Now boys and girls, that’s a real story from the “wild, wild west.” That is how the Dalton Days began.

You’ll see a fantastic re-enactment of the bank robbery and you’ll enjoy family activates through out the day too. Oh, and don’t forget the BBQ showdown. Since the Dalton Days officially kick-off the rodeo season, don’t miss the PRCA rodeo next Saturday, April 20!

Your Dalton Days tickets are available at the gate -  $10 for adults if purchased in advance or $12 at the gate. Tickets are $4 for children 3 to 12. Kids under 3, get in free.

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