Hundreds made the trek to Browns Park over the weekend to participate in an event that has become an annual favorite for many. The Jarvie Fest, held at the John Jarvie Historic Ranch on Saturday, was a good ol’ fashioned time that included wagon rides, leather working, horseback rides, flint-knapping, rope-and-candle making, and an old time photography booth. John Jarvie’s general store “was the heartbeat of the Browns Park community” in the olden days and Jarvie’s dugout “often served as a hiding place for some of the West’s most notorious outlaws, harboring infamous criminals such as Butch Cassidy,” shares the BLM. Jarvie’s home served as the post office and additional buildings on his property housed a variety of diverse businesses. John Jarvie’s great granddaughter, Carol Gardiner, was set up at the event this year with photographs, journals and family relics. This was the third year the Christensen family of Vernal attended the Jarvie Fest and the festivities didn’t disappoint. “My kids favorite activity is the rope making,” shares mother of 5 boys, Danicia Christensen. “It’s usually the longest line but the kids love it. I look forward to this event because it is an entire day of bonding on the drive there, enjoying beautiful scenery and then learning about the history of the area.” Over 300 people attended the Jarvie Fest this year, getting a taste of what life was like in days gone past and the amazing things that were accomplished.
