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Town Too Tough to Die welcomes back tourists

Posted at 10:27 PM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 01:27:18-04

It's known as the Town Too Tough to Die, but it's not too tough to ask for help.

Tombstone is asking visitors to come back and help this tourist destination rebound.

"This Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for our town financially," explained Tombstone Mayor Dustin Escapule.

Tombstone is slowly coming back after resembling a ghost town, instead of the town famous for the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Mayor Escapule says Tombstone tax revenues are down by more that 35-percent.

This weekend was supposed to be the annual Wyatt Earp Days. But the popular event has been canceled, because the governor's order still restricts crowds to 10 or less.

"We're happy to say that we're ready, we're reopen," said Mayor Escapule. "We're ready to have folks come back to visit us. We're taking all of the precautions necessary to keep it safe."

"We're so excited," said Heather Davis. "You know it's what we do."

Davis is a member of the Tombstone Vigilettes. It is a non-profit organization known for wearing period costumes.

This weekend the group is leading a "Tombstone Welcomes You Back" campaign.

The group is running a daily raffle, with cash prizes. First prize each day is $200.

Mayor Escapule says social distancing rules do not allow for the big gunfights on Allen Street.

But he says you will still get that Wild West experience. Shops and restaurants are open. The stage coaches are operating. There are five venues where visitors can see a gunfight.

"We've got two banners, one on each end of town," said Mayor Escapule. "The Town Too Tough To Die. We're here, welcome, come and see us."