Special to The Hays Daily News

"Wild Bill" Hickok will be in Hays City during the Wild West Festival on July 2 to 4. Dust your boots off and mosey on over to the saloon at the Historical Society Museum at the corner of Seventh and Main Streets in downtown historic downtown Hays.

While you are visiting, play some card games with "Wild Bill" Hickok. According to the book "Wild Bill Hickok, The Law in Hays City" by Blaine Burkey, "Wild Bill's" favorite hangout while in Hays City reportedly was the saloon of the legendary Tommy Drum.

According to Simon Motz's son, the celebrated national showman, Phineas T. Barnum, came to Hays to hire "Wild Bill" for his circus. But in a poker game at Tommy Drum's, Hickok won the entire sum Barnum was prepared to offer him.

"Wild Bill" will be in the saloon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 2 and 3 and from 1 to 5 p.m. July 4 as part of the festival. "Wild Bill" will be with his lady friend, Miss Agnes.

Admission fee is $4 for adults; $1 children ages 3 to 12; and children younger than 3 are free. Admission is free to ECHS members. Research facilities (weekdays only) are included in the museum fee.

For more information, visit www.elliscounty historicalmuseum.org.