Families were transported back in time to the old west as they passed the steel gates and the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion came into view. 

The annual Pioneer Days event at the mansion was put on by the Highlands Ranch Community Association and the Highlands Ranch Metro District with multiple community partnerships. 

Through an immersive historical journey, kids were shown what it was like to have lived in Highlands Ranch more than 100 years ago with hands-on education opportunities and indigenous wildlife insights. 

A school bell could be heard in the distance as the Highlands Ranch Historical Society brought old school supplies, clothing and home goods for families to look at and learn about. 

Having grown up around the mansion, Trapper Johnny was excited to be back as he spoke to families about hunting for food and making clothing from animal skin and fur while showing them many of the tools used and items made. 

Trapper Johnny started trapping in the 1960’s and was taught by an Inuit Indian where he learned to honor everything’s being by using every part of it. 

Guests could also engage with Andrea Victoria Howard-Corbo who spoke about Highlands Ranch’s history and made corn husk dolls as well as get questions answered by Buckskin Joe.

The two-day event included gold panning, beekeeping, park rangers, farm animals, a VR tour of a dairy farm, freshly made traditional fry bread, hayrides along the side of the mansion and pasture and performances by Native American singers and dancers. 

Kids could also learn and participate in activities at vendors such as Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Firefighters Museum and Ent Credit Union. 

While there was plenty to do outside, guided tours were given to school groups on the first day of the event and families had the chance to take a self-guided tour on the second day. 

Guests could fully experience the ambience of the old west as Frank Okoren sat in the middle of all the action sat and played the banjo. 

Okoren, along with Trapper Jonny have participated in the event from the start. Appreciating the work that is put into the event, Okoren said he enjoys watching kids engage in history and the overall feeling of the event.

“There’s a freedom, there’s a wholesomeness here,” said Okoren. “In a crazy world, this is kind of a nice place to enjoy.”