Description

Bullwhip demonstration with Doc Durden at Dangberg Historic Park
MINDEN, Nev.— Professional bullwhip instructor Doc Durden will share his talent in a free presentation at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, June 27, at 10:00 am.
Durden will demonstrate the use of a 6’, 8’ and 10’ whips in both ability and marksmanship. There will also be an opportunity for audience participation and brief instruction. Durden claims a 99% success rate in teaching anyone to snap a whip for the first time after 15 minutes of instruction.
The term "bullwhip" is unique to the cowboys and buckaroos of the old West. The bullwhip was introduced to the United States by the Spanish Vaqueros. The Spanish, in turn, migrated into Mexico and taught the talent to the ranch hands of the old West. In the latter half of the 20th century, attempts to preserve traditional crafts, along with a resurgence of interest in Western performance arts, led to an increased interest in whip cracking as a hobby, performance art and competitive sport. The motion picture Raiders of the Lost Ark, in which the hero uses a bullwhip as both a tool and a weapon, generated increased interest as well.
The presentation is part of the park’s Arts and Traditions of the American West series and is sponsored by Bently Ranch, SoaringNV, The Record-Courier and the Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation. Alpen Sierra Coffee Company is providing complimentary coffee for visitors throughout the series, and 88 Cups & More Coffee Shop is providing baked treats.
 
In addition to being a bullwhip instructor, Durden at times appears as “Wild Bill Hickok” and uses the bullwhip to enhance his character portrayals. He is also a casting director, producer and videographer. His most recent production, “The Evil Twin,” is a Western filmed in Virginia City. Durden has also appeared on the Discovery Channel and HBO, as well as at the Amador County Fair, the Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo, Festival of the West, the Grand Nationals, Placerville Homecoming Days, and monthly in Virginia City performing in reenactments. He is often the first place winner for “Best Dressed Cowboy” in Western competitions.
This is a free outdoor event. The park is located at 1450 Hwy 88, ¼ mile north of the Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or use one of the park’s chairs. Dogs are not permitted in the park, with the exception of certified service animals. For more information, visit dangberghomeranch.org or call 775-783-9417.
Upcoming presentations in the series include “Quilt Turning” by the Carson Valley Quilt Guild on July 18, “Dutch Oven Cooking” by the Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group on August 22, and the “Nevada Gunfighters” on September 26.