The Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce has developed several new fundraising events for the valley. The Mardi Gras celebration, which took place in February, was the first. The next will be Frontier Days and Chili Showdown scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16 in Petrack Park.

Ron Frazier, the committee chairman, said it will be fashioned after the days of the cattle drives when dinner came from a chuck wagon, and after nightfall entertainment was in the form of a cowboy with a guitar and singing around the campfire.

There won't be a cattle drive, however. Instead, vendors will set up booths to display crafts, art, jewelry, home décor and the like. The vendors will set up after 1 p.m. and the gates will open at 4 p.m. Friday evening for a "Range Dinner" sponsored by the chamber, the town and Frazier Furniture.

There will be roasted pork with or without the bun and camp beans. Nye County Search and Rescue will offer corn on the cob and No to Abuse will be selling cookies. There will be water, beer and soft drinks available for sale. Tickets for dinner are $5 per person, children under 10 will be $3.

Activities for the evening include a performance by the Sun Country Cloggers, roasting marshmallows over a campfire and a campfire sing-a-long when Dan Schinhofen breaks out his guitar. Frazier said, "The songs will be the pioneer songs." He said the lyrics will be printed on handouts so everyone can participate.

Frazier said Shadow Mountain Feed has graciously donated bales of straw for seating so everyone can be comfortable. Feel free to bring folding chairs and blankets. The event will close Friday evening at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the gates open at 10 a.m. for games like bubble blowing for kids, whistle blowing, a "hoot 'n' holler," and maybe a lariat roping contest.

Dean West and the Smokin' Guns will provide live music throughout the day and the Sun Country Cloggers will be there.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office will be on hand to fingerprint and register children.

There will be a raffle for a wheelbarrow load of booze. Tickets will be $1 each or six for $5.

The serious business of chili will once again take center stage during the Chili Showdown. The cook-off is open to anyone wanting to compete. Contestants may cook on premise but no cooking facilities will be available.

Since the judging starts at 11 a.m., the best idea is to make the chili ahead of time and bring the entry to the event pre-made. The entry fee for the cook-off is $25.

The competition is not a sanctioned event although Fred Weiland will head the judging. He is a member of the International Chili Society and has served as a judge for other chili cook-off events here.

First- and second-place prizes will be awarded for People's Choice and Judges Choice of $150 and $75. There will also be a first and second award for Best Booth/Table of $75 and $50 respectively, and period costumes are encouraged. The awards ceremony is planned for 3 p.m.

Tasting kits will be for sale. Participants will get 10 tickets to taste chili, a ballot and a tasting kit for $5.

Vendor spaces are still available and the cost is $50 for both days.

Call 727-5800 for information, applications for the Chili Showdown and vendor information.