"I love the smell of black powder in the morning"

CIRCA 1820 -- Have you ever wanted to see an old muzzle-loading  cannon being fired?

Ever fantasized about dressing up like Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett or one of the famous mountain men like Bill Williams?

If so, then you’ll want to visit the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association 2008 Western National Shoot on Feb. 20-25 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Carefree Highway just west of I-17. Yep folks, it’s already underway.

Several hundred participants, many in period dress, are competing using muzzle-loading firearms and other period weapons. Competition shooting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except on Monday when awards and ceremonies take place.

There will also be plenty of period goodies to buy from muzzle loading firearms and clothing to Indian beads and tomahawks. There is even a small cannon for sale, along with lots of long knives, carved flutes and interesting trinkets galore.

Events include a beginner's shoot, Boy Scout camps, pistol, Hawk and knife, primitive matches, offhand, bench rest, X-sticks, silhouette, chunk gun, running boar, trap and skeet, primitive archery, and back powder cartridge.

Spectators are welcome. Admission is free. Come on out this weekend and step back in time. Come enjoy the fun! For more information, visit www.nmlra.org.