Chautauqua: Kim Harris as Calamity Jane

Perhaps no woman embodies the spirit of the Western expansion more than Martha Jane Canary better known as “Calamity Jane”. She challenged society’s standards of behavior for women, and at the same time was admired for her generosity, honesty and lack of pretentiousness.

Calamity Jane could drive a team of mules as well as any man. Her bullwhacking skills were invaluable to several scouting expeditions, along with her skills with a rifle and a six-shooter. Calamity could also out-drink and out-cuss any man alive, keeping many a saloon owner in business. Yet her good heart and zest for adventure propelled her into the annals of our Western history.

Kim Harris is an accomplished Chautauquan who has portrayed living history characters at various venues including Genoa Cowboy Festival, Pipers Opera House, the Gold Hill Hotel, Dangberg Historic Park and The Lake Tahoe Chautauqua Festival.

Harris currently serves as the park's events manager and is the owner and operator of Western History ALIVE! where she portrays several Chautauqua characters including stagecoach driver Charley Parkhurst, Libbie Custer who was the wife of General George Armstrong Custer and Lizzie Borden. Admission is $10 for adults, and free to Friends of Dangberg members and youth 16 and under.

Please bring your own seating and no pets allowed - service animals only. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy as no food or beverages will be sold at these events. All events are held outdoors.