Modern-day Tombstone thrives mostly on tourism, with just under a half million visitors each year. The town is a magnet for history buffs thanks to the fact that the original town is mostly preserved. Reenactments of gunfights take place every day for tourists, but the celebration of Helldorado days takes the fun and excitement to a whole new.
Helldorado Days is the largest event in, each year. This year is the 80th Annual, and it is October 15th - October 17th. There is street entertainment (gunfights and ladies showing off their 1880's attire), live music, a chili cook-off, booths to visit, plenty of shopping, lively saloons, and a parade on Sunday. Most of the locals dress up in period correct outfits, and there are places for visitors to rent outfits for the day. If you are planning to come this year, I would advise you to book a room as soon as possible.
A lot of people book their rooms a year in advance.
This silent home movie from the collection of George Mihal has portions that appear to date to 1934-35, and some parts that appear to be from as early as 1929 (dates based on Kodak edge codes) and was shot by someone named 'PJ' who chronicled his trip Out West. The film begins with images of an Indian cliff dwelling, likely at Tonto National Monument in Arizona near Payson.
At:35 the film moves to Tombstone, Arizona, where the annual 'Helldorado Days' festivities are underway. According to George Mihal, who rescued and preserved this film, it features several important personalities. First is John Philip Clum, the first mayor of Tombstone and founder of The Tombstone Epitaph newspaper. Also present is William Billy Breckenridge who served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff John Behan.
Various members of the San Carlos Apache tribe are also visible. At 1:13, early Kodachrome color footage shows other members of the tribe including one in close up (1:22). At 1:26 the Crystal Palace in Tombstone is shown as a parade winds along Fremont Street. A stagecoach, Civil War soldiers and cowboys on horseback are shown along with a parade of covered wagons. At 3:05 a re-enactor draws his gun while at 3:06 crowds thrill to a mock stagecoach hold-up. At 3:44 a banner proclaims 'Helldorado'. This is followed by a gunfight at 3:50 which appears to be a re-enactment of the famous OK Corral gun battle.
At 4;22 the Birdcage Theater is shown. At 4:40 are sweeping vistas of Southern Arizona desert and mountains.