FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Porcupine Art and Hog Calls of the Old West

The Old West will invade Buena Park today as the city begins its 35th Annual Silverado Days celebration.

Carnival rides, wacky contests and a variety of entertainers will enliven the four-day charity event at William Peak Park. More than 80 arts and crafts artisans will be also be selling goods through the weekend.

Many thousands of festival-goers, wearing cowboy hats and practicing their best hog calls, are expected. Last year more than 150,000 people attended, according to Dave Dickson, president of the Noon Lions Club, chief organizer of the event.

Among today’s offerings are bargain carnival rides: Starting at 3 p.m., it’s $8 for unlimited rides until 11 p.m.

Silverado Days began in 1956 as a way to bring neighbors together. The festival has grown into one of North County’s largest community celebrations, organizers say. Proceeds are donated to varied community service and volunteer groups by the Lions.

A new feature this year, Dickson says, is a Mountain Man Encampment, depicting how early settlers lived. The new attraction re-creates an 1840 village and includes demonstrations, from porcupine quill work to muzzle loading.

And Silverado Sam, the gunslinging sheriff who is the official mascot, will make his appearance Saturday at the Grand Parade, which is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m. Dozens of bands, service organizations and local dignitaries will parade along Valley View Street before returning to Peak Park.

Also scheduled for Saturday are the popular pie-eating contest and Baby Classic, which awards little Silverado-goers prizes for the curliest hair, biggest dimples and chubbiest cheeks.

Silverado Days will continue until Sunday at 10 p.m.

What: Silverado Days.

When: Thursday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to midnight; Sunday, Oct. 20, noon to 10 p.m.

Where: William Peak Park, 7225 El Dorado Drive, Buena Park.

Whereabouts: Riverside (91) Freeway to Knott Avenue exit. Go south on Knott, then left on El Dorado Drive.

Wherewithal: Admission is free.

Where to Call: (714) 826-5666.