Each year in Beatty the town celebrates Nevada Day with its own celebration, called Beatty Days.
During this time visitors can step into the past and enjoy the old gun-slinging days and actually see old western gunslingers dueling it out. It’s a celebration where modern times melt away into the Old West.
Located just seven miles east of the Death Valley National Park border and about 75 miles north of Pahrump on Interstate 95, Beatty is a small town that knows how to throw a big party. It is a town that is known as the “friendliest town in the area.”
The celebration takes place at the center of town in Cottonwood Park and will start on Oct. 30 and run through Nov. 1.
According to Beatty Days organizer, Linda Shirley, next week will be the 11th annual celebration in Beatty.
The highlight of the weekend will be the 12th annual ICS-sanctioned chili cook-off, which will have nearly 30 or more chili contestants. Chili lovers will be watering at the mouth to savor the different varieties available. Note: as a precaution, it is suggested to take some water with you while you taste.
Beatty Days will also have numerous other contests throughout the weekend, from a costume contest for the kids, Dutch oven cooking, pumpkin carving, bed races and even a root beer belching contest, to name a few.
There is one contest though that trumps them all and you will definitely not find it anywhere else in Nevada and possibly the country and that is the Pickle Liquor Hoot-N-Holler.
According to Ann Marchand, one of the volunteers, a special concoction is made for this contest.
When asked what was in the concoction, she replied, “That’s top secret and we just don’t reveal that. In some places liquor is used, but in ours we don’t use that ingredient because we have children and adults participating.”
The object of the contest is to take a “gulp” of the mystery drink, which smells horrid, and then give it your best hoot-n-holler. The best holler wins.
Then there is the music. Of course, a celebration is nothing without some great tunes.The Fulco Band returns for their third year.
There will also be an abundance of bands of various genres to soothe the soul as you relax in the park.
Beatty Days will also have its own old-fashioned parade that winds its way through the small town on Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Finally, in the park there will be close to 75 classic, antique cars for your viewing pleasure and at the community center there will be model trains to be viewed.
“I wanted you to mention the model trains because oftentimes people forget they are at the community center and this year they will have some new exhibits,” Marchand said.
To top it all off, Shirley also said there will be close to 95 vendors throughout the park for those that like to sample food and shop around.
“This year we are full to the brim with vendors,” Shirley said.
Marchand agreed and said she believes this year will be one of the best ever celebrations.
Contact reporter Vern Hee at vhee@pvtimes.com. Follow @vernheepvt on Twitter.