Cowboy Fast Draw shooters make the Old West come alive

Cowboy Fast Draw shooters from around the world compete this weekend at the Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon for the title of “Fastest Gun Alive” at the World Championships.

Join the Cowboy Fast Draw Association to watch more than 200 of the world’s best shooters compete for a chance to win over $40,000 in cash, prizes and glory. Other events and activities include the Town Folk Alley, Cowboy Church with Caleb and the Youth Top Five World Championship Shoot Off.

Preliminary elimination rounds begin today at 9 a.m. and continue through Saturday. The top seven competitors in the men’s and women’s categories compete in the Magnificent Seven Fastest Gun Alive contest at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Competitors shoot single action revolvers from traditional cowboy holsters. Admission to all shooting events is free.

“The Fallon community welcomes fast draw participants and their love of Western culture. We’re very excited to celebrate the spirit of the Old West with locals and visitors alike,” said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention & Tourism Authority.

Saturday and Sunday spectators can get a taste of the Old West at the Town Folk Alley. The area gives curious observers the chance to shoot rounds just like the competitors with wax bullets made for amateur use. In addition, more than 30 vendors, 50 Civil War Re-enactors and Cowboy Mounted Shooters help create the look and feel of an old Nevada town. All events and activities are free for spectators.

Cowboy Church with Caleb takes place Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m. on the top of the Churchill County Fairground grandstands. All are welcome to attend before the Fast Draw festivities begin. Be sure to get to the grandstands by high noon to watch the Youth Top Five World Championship Shoot Off. Children as young as 8-years-old put the skills to the test just before the adults take center stage, with the Men and Ladies Magnificent Seven Fastest Gun Alive Shoot-off.