An Eye-Opening Look at Arizona’s Historic Tombstone Vigilante Days

The Town Too Tough to Die takes on one of its most significant annual events: Tombstone Vigilante Days.

This year, the fun happens on February 15 and 16th. The event lasts all weekend and is free and open to the public.

Tammy Jo Wilkins was interviewed on First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels on 92.3FM KWCD. Wilkins is the newly elected chief of the Tombstone Vigilantes, only the second female chief of this organization to be elected in their 77-year history.

Get our free mobile app

Tammy explained that the dedicated group of volunteers uses Tombstone's annual Vigilante Days to entertain and give back to the community.

Tombstone's Vigilante Days

Each February, the Tombstone Vigilantes gather on the streets of Tombstone to celebrate the historic town's storied heritage. Visitors will see gunfight re-enactments in the fast-drawing, capable hands of the Tombstone Vigilantes and Vigilettes.

READ: Did We Find a Ghost in the Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, AZ?

The Tombstone Vigilantes are a group of dedicated volunteers who bring the Wild West to life before visitors' eyes, right on the streets of Tombstone. They’ve been entertaining visitors to Tombstone since 1948, and this weekend is extra special. The town comes together to mark the annual Vigilante Days.

The streets of Tombstone buzz with excitement as the Vigilantes perform reenactments throughout the day. The Vigilantes are joined by their not-so-blushing female counterparts, the Tombstone Vigilettes, who entertain the assembled crowds with events like their fabulous 1880s-inspired fashion show.

You can even see those mavens of moonlight, the Wild West Witches, who will be performing on Sunday. Enjoy this very Arizona, unique brand of fun with a full-on Wild West extravaganza.

READ: Gunfight Somewhere NEAR the OK Corral: Is It All a Hollywood LIE?

Walking Where the (Ghosts) of Tombstone Fell

Putting the "ghost" in Ghost Town, paranormal investigator Amy Bruni, will be in town for her show. She'll be hanging out with the Vigilantes on Sunday, so you might even catch a glimpse of her in action - and she may be even kicking up a little paranormal activity, to boot.

Most of Bruni's activities happen at night, but during the day, she'll be on the streets with the Vigilantes, taking photos and mingling with fans. It's a special treat for everyone.

The Tombstone Vigilantes: Non-Profit Group Supporting the Community

Vigilante Chief Tammy Jo Wilkins says she hopes people from around the county will come out and join the fun.

The Tombstone Vigilantes are a non-profit group. All donations they receive go back to the community. The group supports everything from local Tombstone fireworks shows to county-wide animal shelters and senior events.

You're not just walking where they fell; you're helping forge a path for the future on the streets of Tombstone, one of the treasures of Cochise County. If you're in the area, pony on down to Tombstone this weekend between 10:00am and 4:00pm and prepare for a rootin', tootin' good time.

Sources: TombstoneWeb | Tombstone Vigilantes | First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels (Live interview with Tammy Jo Wilkins on 92.3 KWCD) | Photos courtesy: Tombstone Vigilantes