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​In July 1959, Steve and Ann Shedd experienced the annual Frontier Day Celebration in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they were captivated by the Cheyenne Gunfighters. This encounter sparked their interest in fast drawing and gun handling. Motivated by what they saw, Steve Shedd established The Southern Kansas Gunfighters Association upon returning home. The association quickly gained popularity, offering demonstrations, safety talks, and participating in various competitions.
 
The group's talents led them to Joyland's Frontier Town, where they became known as The Joyland Park Gunfighters. For 16 years, they performed at Joyland, delighting audiences and forging lifelong friendships. They cherish the memories and are grateful to Harold Ottaway for the opportunity and to Stanley and Margaret Nelson for their steadfast support.
​In the 1940’s the Ottaway family established the first Joyland park at Central and New York Avenue. After the overwhelming success of their Central location, in 1948 the Ottaway Amusement Company purchased acreage on South Hillside Ave to construct the largest roller coaster in the state of Kansas. Opening the new location in 1949, Joyland became Wichita's largest amusement park. The Ottaway’s retired in 1975 and the Nelson’s bought the park.  Over the years, it developed into a family friendly park with rides, gunfights, go-carts, picnics, concerts and swimming, enjoyed by thousands. At the turn of the new century, the park started to fade, beset by modern competition, closing in 2006.