HORACE LANGFORD / PVT As was the case in previous years, Wild West Extravaganza Pony Express riders will head for the post office to pick up specially postmarked mail. Advertisement

Are you ready for some fun? The third annual Wild West Extravaganza will be held Sept. 22-24 in the area next to the Saddle West. The event begins on Friday at noon and ends on Sunday at 4 p.m.

This year's Extravaganza is action-packed with so many activities, there won't be a single dull moment. And, as a result of the generosity of Wulfenstein Construction, the location has been leveled and graveled, which will make it much easier for pedestrians.

The parade starts at noon Friday with cannon fire, followed by Bud Curtis and the Midnight Country Band at 1 p.m. The live bands don't end there. Others, including Crosswinds, Blue Grass Redliners, County Line, and White Horse with Ronda Annette will be performing every night.

But the fun doesn't end there. Gun fights between local and visiting gunfighters, childrens' games including ball and jacks, ball and cup, and more, tug o' war between both children and adults groups in a mud pit (want to play in the mud?), and pie-eating contests designed for both young and old are also scheduled. The fun goes on and on. Contact the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce for a list of competitions and times.

Other entertainment includes the Sun Country Cloggers, Dancin' Step Follies, a Wild West variety show with a jam session and much more. The annual charity Texas hold 'em poker game will be held, Old West raffles (live turkeys, replica antique rifles, etc.) -- well, just so much will be going on that it would take too long to list everything.

Of course, what Wild West Extravaganza would be authentic without the Pony Express?

The roundup will be at Strickland's Arena. The trail ride starts Saturday at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive at Boomtown around 3 p.m. Real mail will be stamped for delivery by the riders. If you would like to send a letter via Pony Express, stop by the Chamber of Commerce office with your envelope and postage. A barbecue dinner will be held at the cowboy camp Friday at 6 p.m. (cost $6).

Multiple demonstrations, presentations, and lessons will be offered, including the expanded Native American representation for both local and southwestern tribes (don't miss the Indian tacos). Competitions will include best and most authentic dress and more.

Oh, and there will be a huge group of vendors available for exploration. Make sure to stock up on those Christmas presents -- the season's not that far off. Ladies, it's shopping time in the Old West. You may even find a corset or two.

Last but not least is the melodrama, "How the West was Dun" (or--"Left High and Dry in Low Humidity Chasm"), featuring the Shadow Mountain Community Players.

There will be just a passel of villains with a bunch of pundits. Sheriff Wayne John -- hero -- and heroine Polly Wanna Cracker will be involved in three plots that will be side-splitting.

The audience will be given popcorn to throw at the villains while they enjoy a great dinner (tickets available at the Chamber, library, and Saddle West, but hurry, they are in demand). The show lasts 90 minutes and is total family entertainment. Dinner shows will be Friday and Saturday night with adult tickets priced at $16, and students and seniors at $12. A Saturday matinee will also be held with no dinner for just $5 per ticket.

Organizers guarantee this family-oriented event will please family members of all ages. The volunteers put many hours into its preparation and in some cases rearranged their entire schedules to help out. If you see or know someone who is a volunteer, be sure to thank them.

Sponsors include the Commission on Tourism, Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pahrump Valley Times, Tonopah Times-Bonanza and Goldfield News, Saddle West, Saitta-Trudeau, and others.