Jennifer Rago worked in the mental health industry for many years, helping individuals and families get through a crisis of one kind or another. You could say that Rago, now retired, has found her own version of mental self therapy. And it comes with a trip back in time.

Rago spends much of her summer at Wild West City in Byram Township, N.J., as a reanactor, often times cooking viddles and coffee over a fire at the Chuck Wagon.    

Wild West City has been entertaining audiences for over six decades with live action-packed shows, train and stagecoach rides, demonstrations, historical exhibits, music, special events and an opportunity to mingle with cowboys and cowgirls in “Dodge City.” 

Rago has been doing plenty of entertaining herself as a reanactor, interacting with visitors who want to learn about the ways of the old west.

How did Rago making Wild West City her second “career”?

“I had first visited Wild West City when my daughter’s elementary school class went there for a class trip,” she said. “I have always loved American history, horses, and the American west/cowboys. When I retired I decided that I was going to spend my time doing things I loved but did not necessarily have the time to do when I was working. Being an avid fan of spaghetti westerns, 1950’s westerns, and American history made joining Wild West City a natural choice.”

It’s a lot different than her last “career.”

“I worked in the mental health- addictions field for 20 plus years as a counselor, executive director, and assistant vice president, in clinical,” said Rago. “I retired early because of COVID and its negative effect on resources for mental health and addictions. Public and government healthcare funding was redirected to COVID reducing addictions funding and increasing death via addiction.”

Wild West City is glad to have Rago aboard.”

“Jennifer has really taken on her role here with spirit, dedication and excitement,” said Katie Benson, whose family has owned the park for over 60 years. “She is eager to share her knowledge of the old American west with others – and she makes a great cup of coffee too!”

Rago’s family and friends were not surprised to see that she gravitated to Wild West City.  

“My friends thought it made perfect sense – my children and husband know all too well how much I love this genre and are glad I have found other people who love it as much as I do,” said Rago. 

Ironically, although she spends a lot of her time at the Chuck Wagon, Rago admits that it’s been a learning curve in more ways than one. 

“I’m not much of a cook but I have developed a real interest in pioneer cooking,” she said. “I watch a lot of YouTube, read and ask a lot of questions. I love looking and reading about period specific clothing and accessories and of course pioneer food.”

While others in retirement might not be unable to come up with a plan for retirement, Rago has seemlessly found something that suits her just perfectly.  

“I love working with other people who love the history and traditions of the American west as much as I do,” she said. 

At Wild West City, Rago is just one part of a great day of family fun. 

Wild West City’s “Summer Stampede”, which takes place through Labor Day Weekend, is where you can be part of the action helping the marshal track down the outlaws. Grab a lasso and mosey over to the newest attraction at Wild West City, the Cowboy Corral. Test your skills or learn how to rope like a cowboy on the range. Cool down with mouthwatering soda floats, ice cream and other sweets at Pilsner’s Candy Shoppe. 

In the Golden Nugget Saloon, there are plenty of eats for everyone, and for the adults, craft cocktails, at the authentic western bar. 

Wild West City affords visitors a chance to see what the wild west was all about up close and personal. Wild West City can also be an educational experience for those who want to simply learn about the history of the the American wild west.

Wild West City offers an array of special days through the season; among them Wild West City’s National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl, Civil War reenactments, Native American events and more. And of course, train rides and stagecoach rides complete any trip to the park. 

Looking ahead to the fall, Wild West City’s Fall Harvest brings out the colors of the Skylands Region with more great events each weekend such as Cowgirl Day and Scouts Weekend. Visitors can enjoy indulging in mouthwatering pumpkin delights, fall crafted bar beverages and sip warm apple cider or fall crafted beverages in the Golden Nugget.

Haunted Wild West, held weekends in October, has become one of the most popular annual attractions in Northwest Jersey.  The Spooky Wild West Fest features classic Wild West City shows with a Halloween twist. Meet characters like the Wicked Witch and Headless Horseman. When the sunsets at Wild West City things get a little scary. The Haunted Train Ride and Haunted Walking Trail are theatrical haunts and scares featuring a storyline along with jump scares set in an eerie western town. 

Tickets for any Wild West City day can be purchased in advance online. Groups are also welcome. For more information about Wild West City and to view its special event schedule visit wildwestcity.com. You can also LIKE Wild West City on Facebook.