The Cowboy Reenactors have been added to the slate of attractions at the Pioneer Descendants Gathering at the Dale and Betty Thomas farm east of Ava on Oct. 2 and 3.
The reenactors belong to a group called Single Action Shooting Society, or SASS. SASS is an international organization created to preserve and promote the sport of cowboy action shooting.
When competing, the group uses live ammunition aimed at steel targets. However, at Pioneer Days the group will be using blank ammunition.
The firearms that the group uses are typical of the weapons used to tame the West – single action revolvers, pistols, lever action rifles, and old time shotguns.
The gathering at the Thomas farm, located off Highway 14 east of Ava on County Road 341, is free to the public.
A variety of old-time skills and demonstrations, along with wagon rides and lots of other interesting attractions will be included. The aim is to keep these skills alive with the help of a lot of volunteers.
Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs and sit under the pavilion and listen to local, talented musicians, and enjoy all the fun.
SASS members presenting the Old West at this year’s gathering will be John Carter (Ozarks Ranger) and Sue Carter (Ozarks Belle).
