The air inside the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is heavy with the scent of aged wood; creaking sounds of steps on the original wood flooring echo against the sky-high ceilings. But every other Sunday, a new, lively energy takes over the Entertainment Room of the 1882 Victorian-style courthouse. That’s when volunteer Steve Kokx sets out his deck of cards, ready to resurrect the history of the Old West.

Steve isn't just dealing a game; he is dealing an immersive living history experience. He brings to life Faro, the fast-paced gambling staple that was common in saloons before poker took hold. For years, the demonstration had been abandoned and the equipment lay dusty and unused.

Steve Kokx didn't just pick up the demonstration — he literally and figuratively rebuilt it. Inspired by the opportunity upon his arrival in 2023, he poured months into creating an in-depth interpretive program, conducting historical research, and even using his own time and equipment to fix and renovate the old materials. Within a few months, his perfected demonstration became a major success, and his dedication created a ripple effect, inspiring another volunteer, George H., to take up the Faro demonstrations on alternating Sundays.

The true measure of this commitment can be found in the experience of visitors like Kevin K., who wrote a glowing review in November 2025. After chatting with Steve, Kevin and his two teenagers were invited to play a practice round of Faro. What began as a faint interest quickly turned into a very fun and immersive experience of the family learning together the game's fast-paced rules and the history of unscrupulous cheating in the 1880s. The final "Bucking the Tiger" round made the game particularly memorable, with Kevin’s daughter winning chips equivalent to a purchasing power of $3,700 today. If that’s not a way to get two teenagers interested in history, what is? As Kevin concluded, “Steve made the experience truly memorable for my family, thank you, Steve!”

Steve often volunteers alongside his wife, Tawnyna, who came aboard shortly after him. Tawnyna is an interpretive services powerhouse in her own right, offering unique living history tours that are enhanced by her elaborate Victorian-style dresses, which she complements with her own handcrafted and historically accurate hats and hat pins. 

With a natural gift for storytelling, she shares tales ranging from the life of pioneer Nellie Cashman to interpreting the difficult history of the courthouse reproduction gallows where seven convicted murderers were hanged in 1884 and 1900. 

Beyond historical interpretation, this dedicated duo shares a skill in woodworking, which they used to create two new wooden signs displaying the Courthouse’s hours of operation using their own equipment. The Courthouse is truly lucky to have this dedicated, creative, and hard-working pair!

For Steve, his service is a point of deep pride. When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, he shared: "I get to be a part of something much larger and meaningful." He feels it is a "huge honor" to be part of Arizona’s state park system, spending his time in Tombstone sharing history and stories. His proudest accomplishment is that Tombstone Courthouse is now the only place in town that offers live Faro demonstrations. With George H. also performing the demonstrations, they have cemented the Courthouse as "THE place to go in Tombstone to learn the old gambling game."

Steve Kokx’s story proves that volunteering at Arizona State Parks and Trails is an opportunity to leave a legacy, engage your creativity, and make history come alive.

Whether you are seeking to build a resume — as Steve initially was when he started over three years ago in visitor services — or simply to share your passion, we have a role for you. Just like Steve and Tawnyna, you have a unique skill set waiting to make a difference across our diverse parks, from recreation parks with trails, beaches, and mountains, to historic parks preserving artifacts, buildings, and landscapes. There are a variety of ways to get involved, including:

• Serving as a camp host
• Helping lead history and nature programs
• Assisting with trail and facility maintenance
• Welcoming visitors to the parks

Just like Steve and Tawnyna, you have a unique skill set waiting to make a difference. Join our team of dedicated volunteers and find your meaningful role in the Arizona State Parks and Trails system.