Hollywood Stuntman Creates Western Entertainment

After 33 years as a stuntman in Hollywood, eleven concussions, countless broken ribs, crushed vertebra and a fully re-built leg, “Dr” Buck Montgomery decided it was time for a change.

[ClickPress, Fri Sep 14 2007] After 33 years as a stuntman in Hollywood, eleven concussions, countless broken ribs, crushed vertebra and a fully re-built leg, “Dr” Buck Montgomery decided it was time for a change. Since he had been an animator for Disney Studios, and all his stunt work on films such The Long Riders, Barbarosa, Little House on the Prairie, The Sacketts, Pale Rider and more, he knew a lot of the people in the business. Montgomery was the general manager and stunt show coordinator of the Ponderosa Ranch, home of television fame Bonanza! He also acted in many Bonanza sequels with legendary screen actors like Ben Johnson, Jack Elam and Leonard Nimoy. He decided to pull his Hollywood friends together and three years ago he founded the Wild Western Festival, which has now found a home at Pioneer Village north of Phoenix.
The 3rd Annual Wild West Festival will be held September 28, 29, 30. It is an event that combines a popular Wild West Comedy Stunt Show with some of the finest.Western entertainment in the business, a showcase of Western movie stars and an Artisan Faire with arts, crafts and gifts.
Some of the film stars the public can expect to meet at the festival are Don Collier from The High Chaparral and Outlaws, among others; Bob Hoy whose extensive film career includes Laramie, Bonanza, Walker, Texas Ranger and Little House on the Prairie; Peter Brown of the popular Lawman series on TV, Ted Markland of High Chapparal, and Barbara Luna, famous for her role as Lt. Marlena Moreau in Star Trek. She has guest starred in nearly 500 television shows. Spectators will also see John Wayne and Gabby Hayes (impersonators) roaming the grounds.
But there will be lots more than movie stars. Hollywood stuntmen will demonstrate their moves. Pistol Packin’ Paula is a world champion six gun spinner who twirls and shoots like Annie Oakley. She is the only woman in the U.S. who twirls real guns professionally. Whitey Hughes will be on hand to relay tales of his 50 years as a Hollywood stuntman working with such luminaries as Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Marlon Brando, Johnny Crawford and Bobby Diamond. Most recently, he participated in the 1997 number one film Men in Black.
And for those who like fancy horse tricks some of the best in the World will be at the festival including Kowboy Kal who performs fancy trick roping, bull whips and gun play. He holds the Guinness Book World Record for the largest wedding ring rope loop at 100 feet along with numerous prestigious awards. He has performed in feature films and commercials.
Another amazing act featuring a horse will be Gary “Bad Dog” Bennett and his horse “Blue Eyed Jack” who will gallop, rear and perform breath-taking tricks. Gary and his horse are native Arizonans and best buds. Gary even sneaks Jack into the house.
Moontee Sinquah, of Hopi, Tewa and Choctaw descent, will dance with as many as 30 hoops, amazing the crowds with his dancing, singing and enchanting flute.
Tom Hiatt and The Sundown Riders will entertain along with other performers and musicians on six stages of entertainment. Hiatt’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary western classics and his own original ballads. Dave Bourne, a pianist and actor from HBO’s Deadwood, will perform his popular saloon piano stylings. “Sourdough Slim” (Rick Crowder) is the only entertainer who can yodel, play accordion, dance a jig and twirl a lariat all at the same time. His vaudeville humor has made him one of the most popular cowboy entertainers of our time.
The 1800’s Deadwood Mining Camp will have authentic presentations and characters dressed in Old West garb along with chuck wagons and a dutch oven cook-off just like the “Cookies” of old served their hungry wranglers.
The Artists Village will feature Old West clothing, leather goods, authentic carpet bags, Old West Collectables, home décor, art, Native American Jewelry, pottery, customized branding irons, furniture, custom leather work, cowboy hats, western clothing and accessories, rock art, ladies apparel, jewelry, toys and a vast array of gift items.
The Kids’ Korral makes this family event fun for everyone with bounce houses, face painting and free finger printing.
The Wild Western Festival will be held from 9 am to 6 pm daily September 28, 29, 30 at Pioneer Village, one mile north of Carefree Highway at Exit 225. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for kids age 5-12. Kids 4 and under are free. Parking is free. A dance will be held Saturday night from 7 to10 pm with live music, fast draw and costume contests. Admission to the dance is an additional $5 for adults and $2 for kids. Tickets are available on the day of the event at the box office. Discount coupons, multiple day and group tickets are available on line at www.wildwesternfestival.com along with more information or call 623-521-3856. Presented by DR Buck Productions and sponsored by Bison Homes and True West magazine.

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