GOLDEN — Ten years and running, the buffalo-chip-toss contest at the Buffalo Bill Museum on Lookout Mountain inspires more than good hand washing.
On Sunday, more than 100 people showed up for the chip toss and a slew of other events celebrating William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s birthday.
Buffalo Bill, a former head of scouts for the Army and a Pony Express rider in the 1800s, caught fame promoting the West in a worldwide tour of his Wild West Show . He was buried with his wife on a hill behind the museum.
“I always said that Cody was the Elvis of the 1800s. He was the most famous person alive back then,” said Lance Michels, a Buffalo Bill historian and impersonator. “They could hang his picture up anywhere in the world and just say, ‘I am coming,’ and people would know who he was.”
On Sunday, many admitted that buffalo poop may seem like an odd way to honor an Old West legend.
“Maybe old Cody had some kind of a game like that, too. Around some of his camps, they did a lot of funny things,” said Al Huffman , who impersonated Buffalo Bill for 30 years before retiring four years ago .
By 2:30 p.m. Sunday, buffalo chips were flying from hands of children and parents. Museum director Steve Friesen even had his hand in the toss.
Friesen said the historical context of buffalo chips is evident.
“Buffalo chips or cow chips were very much a part of their lives in their days,” Friesen said . “In the case of buffalo chips, they used it for fuel. They were used for heating homes and for cooking in some cases.”
Aiming for a white circle a foot-and- a-half in diameter, 8-year-old Bethany Kramer said the distinct dryness of the chips made them easier to throw.
“It just feels like a piece of a tree from its trunk. It doesn’t feel mushy or heavy,” said Bethany, whose toss landed 2 feet from the bull’s-eye. If she had another try, Bethany said, she would throw the chip higher and “try not to put so much pressure on it.”
Winning contestants received prizes from the gift shop including a Frisbee resembling a buffalo chip.
Festivities got underway at noon when a packed room of people sang “Happy Birthday” to Buffalo Bill , who would have been 163 years old last Thursday. Free birthday cake and ice cream were served.
Attendees also were able to visit a new exhibit showcasing American Indian artifacts from the Lakota tribe.
Friesen said Buffalo Bill, who befriended several tribes, had a friendly relationship with the Lakota.
“During the Indian Wars, they were enemies. After the wars, they retained a lot of respect for each other. So they became friends,” he said.
Anthony Bowe 303-954-1661 or abowe@denverpost.com
