Update: Mock Gunfight Canceled

The “Camp Carleton Cornet Band", an 1880s costume contest, and a historic re-enactment troupe of lawmen, rowdies, and ladies depicting days of the wild west will top off a time capsule ceremony on Saturday.

Events throughout the day will celebrate South Pasadena's founding in 1888. At 4 p.m.. outside Gus’s BBQ, the Camp Carleton brass will lead a procession of celebrants, including the cast and characters of the “Code of the West” historic re-enactment group.

But don't think they'll be the only ones in costume.

The heritage parade will proceed west on Mission Street to the South Pasadena Historical Museum next to the South Pasadena (Mission) Gold Line station, stopping along the way along the way at local shops, restaurants and bars to herald the anti-saloon conservatism of the city’s 1880 populace. Everyone is invited to join in the festivities, 1880s costumes or not. 

Arriving at the Historical Museum about 5 pm, the procession will trumpet a dedication ceremony led by South Pasadena city officials, who will mark the site where a time capsule will be buried in mid-year. It will be opened on the city’s Bicentennial in 2088. The “Code of the West” group will perform historic characterizations that will begin about 5:45 pm, immediately following the dedication ceremony.

Read about the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation scrapping plans for a mock gunfight here. 

 At 6:15pm, the heritage focus will turn to a costume contest in front of the museum, open to anyone who wants to join in the fun by dressing up in 1880s vintage attire.

Prizes will be awarded to the man, woman, and young person (up to age 12) whose apparel best typifies styles popular when the city was founded in 1888. Entry forms now available at the South Pas Chamber of Commerce and Historical Museum. They will also be available at the event.

Anniversary festivities then continue until 9 pm with the Arts Crawl, organized by the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce in association with the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC). Arts Crawl is free, open to the public, and takes place in the historic business district in South Pasadena.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story described a mock gunfight that had ben planned as part of the celebration. The South Pasadena Preservation Foundation has since canceled the event. 

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