Hello there — or “Howdy,” as they say in the American Wild West.
Let’s get acquainted. I’m William Frederick Cody — military entrepreneur, showman, or as you might say nowadays, a producer.
To friends and fans, I’m simply Buffalo Bill. I had many passions, but it was my extraordinary attraction — the “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show — that brought me worldwide fame.
You’re probably wondering: what does this have to do with Uzhhorod?
Shhh… Don’t rush. You’ll find out in a moment.
It all started when, at the age of 26, I played the lead role in the drama “Scouts of the Prairie.” The production was a huge success and inspired me to form my own troupe, called The Buffalo Bill Combination.
Later came the ambitious idea to create the “Wild West” show — and we made it happen! This spectacular event drew enormous crowds wherever we went. After touring all across America, we made it to Europe — Paris, London, Vienna. We were true stars: thousands of spectators, astonished faces, applause, and standing ovations. We gave people unforgettable emotions and memories, even in the smallest and coziest of towns.
Look around you now. And imagine — right here on this square, a grand show. Thousands of Uzhhorod residents gathered to see with their own eyes real cowboys, Native Americans, rodeos, military dances, and shooting contests.
Back then, we held two performances with our troupes, “Wild West” and “Rough Riders.”
It happened on June 27, 1906.
Our team — 800 people strong, along with animals and all our gear — arrived in Ungvár (as the city was called at the time) on three trains. Tents, seating, all necessary facilities, and a massive amphitheater were set up from early morning. And finally, the show began — the same program we had performed in Paris at the Champ de Mars. I personally attended every performance.
Ah, to see the expressions on people’s faces, to feel the energy of the awestruck crowd — that’s an incredible rush!
The audience was thrilled by the Native Americans, the prairies, cowboys, Mexican rurales, South American gauchos, Cuban riders, Bedouins, and other representatives of cultures from around the world.
We showed Uzhhorod audiences reenactments of famous battles and many other spectacular scenes.
And you know, they say it was thanks to our show that the Wild West gained the romantic image you imagine today. Cowboys became popular all around the world, and I — well, I became an international celebrity and, dare I say, something of an American icon. Pardon the modesty.
Now, more than a hundred years later, we performers are happy to return to this city on the Uzh River, to once again share our story with locals and tourists alike.
Our show, more than a century ago, was a true miracle for Uzhhorod. And today — we’re ready to amaze once again.
How, you ask? In an unusual way.
Try rubbing the bison’s horn. Go ahead, don’t be shy — it might just bring you financial luck.
Tug the samurai’s topknot — for a boost of strength.
And to gain life wisdom? The Native warrior will help with that. Just count the feathers on his headdress, touching each one.
Don’t believe it? See for yourself. Igha!