LINCOLN, Neb. -- Western history buffs are urged to circle June 4 and 5 on their calendars to remind them to attend Rock Creek Trail Days at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park and enjoy the exciting western action.

The famous incident in which James Butler Hickok killed David McCanles and began his bloody career as a gunfighter will be reenacted by the Blue River Regulators at the site of the original shooting on the East Ranch at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. on both days.

The Blue River Regulators will also present mounted cowboy action shooting demonstrations on the East Ranch at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. on both days.

There will be a number of historic interpretations on the East and West Ranches. Among them will be black powder gun demonstrations, living history of the early trail period, brain tanning leather, Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, spinning, frontier survival skills, Pony Express runs, dulcimer music and tatting demonstrations.

The popular buffalo stew cookout with music by the Homestead Dulcimer Club, will be on the West Ranch at 7 p.m. Saturday evening. Adult tickets are $7, childrens tickets (for those 12 years and younger) are $5. Tickets will be available until noon on June 4 at the park visitor center (402) 729-5777; the Fairbury Livestock Café, (402) 729-3341; and the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce, (402) 729-3000.

The Rock Creek Station State Historical Park visitor center will be open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. A park entry permit is required of all vehicles entering the park.

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