Fairbank Day: Make tracks to explore old Arizona ghost town
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Whether you're a history buff, or just like the idea of exploring an Arizona ghost town, Fairbank Day 2016 has plenty to offer.
The annual celebration — at the Fairbank Historic Townsite, on Highway 82 between Whetstone and Tombstone —on Saturday from from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — takes place Saturday from from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year's event, "Making Tracks Through History" will showcase the history of the middle San Pedro River Valley.
The town of Fairbank was named after a Chicago investor, Nathaniel Fairbank, who was the founder of the Grand Central Mining Company. In the 1800's, Fairbank was the closest railroad stop for transporting supplies to one of the largest cities of the west, Tombstone.
The old town's past will be brought to life with an impersonation of Jeff Milton, a frontier lawman who is famous for thwarting the Fairbank train robbery in 1900. The event will also include a lecture by archaeologist Chris Shrager about a career preserving historic structures around southeast Arizona and a demonstration of roping tricks by David Walker.
This year's activities include tours of the town and cemetery, a kid's treasure hunt, atlatl throwing, and adobe brick making. Sandy Anderson of the Gray Hawk Nature Center will be on hand with an exhibit of live reptiles.
Earth Picks of Cochise County will provide music and Big Woody's Barbecue will have food for sale.
The event is free —although, donations are appreciated — as is parking and shuttle service to the townsite. Fairbank is about and hour and twenty minute drive from Tucson.
