Netcong, New Jersey: Wild West City

The classic attraction, Wild West City, plans to open the 1st weekend in May after its seasonal winter closing. America's easternmost simulation of an 1880s western frontier town, WWC has endured media and legal fallout from a fake gunfight/real shooting accident two years ago (after a half-century record of staged gunfights with no injuries).

While the exact cause and circumstances of the incident are still being debated, WWC is back with period-dressed performers and 22 live action shows for all-day visitors. Their slogan remains: "The Best of the West in the Heart of the East."

An actor at Netcong, NJ's Wild West City, shot in the head during a fake gunfight on July 7th, came out of a medically-induced coma on Friday. According to local news reports, Scott Harris, 37, was said to be responding to some stimuli and was able to keep his eyes open.... [07/23/2006] Complete News Story

Wild West City is a pure, untouched specimen of roadside attractions in their true glory. You walk in a regular Joe and leave a Deputy Marshall with a badge and all. You cannot, however experience the wonder if you miss the performance of the "Western Sweethearts." The octgenarian duo sing country and western standards and play all of their own instruments. With their snazzy western dress,their performance would make even Hank Williams, Sr. proud.

What a great place! Reminds me of the now defunct Frontier Town in Hudson, New York. Stage coach Robbers try to take stuff from kids who aren't afraid of them, and gunfights still run rampant throughout the day. There a real bar and an old couple come out on stage and play country western music for about a half hour. They have been doing that for years and its totally great! The atmosphere is total Americana cheese with a little horse dung and dust thrown in. Go see it quick cause its one of the dying breed of great old sites that are quickly fading into the past.

As an update to the song tip, those of you paying attention know the cowboy singing the theme song was none other than NJ tv icon Uncle Floyd. His obscure cable show during the early 80's was a classic, featuring Looney Skip Rooney, Oogie the Puppet, and Floyd himself singing forgotten songs from the 30s and 40s. Pee Wee Herman must have been a fan because he couldn't have done the Playhouse without the inspiration of Uncle Floyd.