The 11th annual Beatty Days returns to that town this weekend to coincide with the state’s founding holiday, Nevada Days.
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.
The celebration takes place at the center of town in Cottonwood Park and will start on Oct. 30 and run through Nov. 1.
The highlight of the weekend will be the 12th annual International Chili Society-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.
Beatty Days schedule of events
Friday, October 30
12:00 p.m. Registration booth opens for all events. Antique gas engine display with farming, mining and military equipment on Third Street, poker walk registration begins, model railroad exhibit begins (see special events).
1:00 p.m. All vendors open. Bike show in the upper park.
1:30 p.m. Beatty Days kicks off with music by the Fulcos on the upper stage.
2:00 p.m. Music by Maria Anderson & Her Southern Knight Band on the lower stage.
3:00 p.m. Carved or decorated pumpkin contest; bring your pumpkin to the registration booth.
3:30 p.m. Bike Show Awards announced.
4:45 p.m. Tricycle races in the upper park.
5:15 p.m. Halloween costume contest on the upper stage.
5:30 p.m. Miss and Jr. Miss Beatty Days crowning on the upper stage.
5:45 p.m. 1900’s re-enactment in the lower park.
6:00 p.m. Pumpkin contest winners announced at the registration booth.
7:00 p.m. Vendors close Saturday.
Saturday, Oct. 31
8:00 a.m. Tombstone 5K Run & 2K walk, sign up at the registration booth. Parade line-up /registration at Beatty Middle School – 4th Street and Reibel until 9:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m. Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast at the east side pavilion. Vendors open.
8:30 a.m. Tombstone 5K Run and 2K walk begins at 3rd Street and Amargosa Street.
9:30 a.m. ICS Chili Cook-Off in the upper park.
10:00 a.m. Parade begins with announcer Jerry Adcox and honorary Grand Marshall Rick Johnson. Old West shootouts throughout the day.
10:30 a.m. Antique engine display continues on 3rd Street.
11:00 a.m. Classic car show in the upper park. Live music by the Fulcos on the upper stage, live music by CJ Roberts and The Wild Horse Band on the lower stage. Chicken Drop Bingo morning movement at the cowboy façade in the lower park.
11:30 a.m. Trunk or Treat in the car show area.
12:00 p.m. Chili Cook-Off People’s Choice tasting begins. Nevada Silver Tappers perform on the upper stage; parade winners announced on upper stage with honorary Grand Marshall Rick Johnson; Tombstone 5K Run & 2K walk winners announced on the upper stage.
12:30 p.m. Bed races begin on the east side of park.
1:45 p.m. Nevada Starlets perform on the upper stage.
2:00 p.m. Piñata breaking, kids ages 2-6, 7-10 at the lower park cowboy façade.
2:30 p.m. Chili Cook-Off judging begins.
2:45 p.m. Pickle Liquor Hoot-N-Holler upper stage.
3:00 p.m. Car show winners announced.
3:30 p.m. Bed race winners announced upper stage; Chicken Drop Bingo afternoon special in the lower park; Poker Walk winners announced upper stage.
4:00 p.m. Chili Cook-Off Winners announced; live music with the Fulcos on upper stage.
5:00 p.m. Corn on the cob eating contest in the upper park.
5:45 p.m. Root Beer drinking and belching contest in the upper park.
Sunday, Nov. 1
8:00 a.m. Lion’s Club pancake breakfast at the east side pavilion. Vendors open.
9:30 a.m. Dutch Oven Cook-Off.
10:00 a.m. Antique engine display continues. *Live Music CJ Roberts and The Wild Horse Band lower stage and Reylee Band on the upper stage; kite flying contest in the upper park, bring your own or use one of ours.
10:30 a.m. Hula hoop contest in the upper park.
12:00 p.m. Pet parade in the upper park.
1:00 p.m. Dutch Oven Cook-Off judging begins.
1:30 p.m. Dutch Oven People’s Choice tasting.
2:30 p.m. Dutch Oven Cook-Off winners announced.
Contact reporter Vern Hee at vhee@pvtimes.com. Find him on Twitter: @vernheepvt.