Death Valley historian at the museum and fundraiser for “Super Mikey” at the Maverick

Many remember television’s Death Valley Days and many others still use the famous brand of laundry booster, 20 Mule Team Borax. But to others this product, the TV show and the image of mules and wagons is unknown and unfamiliar. At one time they were as famous as the golden arches are today.

Filmmaker and author Ted Faye will be at the Pahrump Valley Museum on July 12, at 1 p.m. to help the uninitiated understand how a common form of transportation became one of the most recognizable icons in America. And how a lowly salt was responsible for the rise and fall of the fortunes of prospectors and entrepreneurs.

In his book, “Images of America: The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley,” Ted Faye has uncovered images and created a compelling narrative describing both the practical operation and the romanticizing of the long-line teams used throughout the West.

Faye is a documentary filmmaker whose company, Gold Creek Films, specializes in stories of the West and as a producer, he has received numerous awards for his films including the Western Channel’s Honorary Award, the Golden Apple from National Educational Media, a Platinum Remi, and four golds and a silver from Worldfest-Houston.

Since 1994 Faye has focused his career on the history of Death Valley and America’s desert regions. He has gathered historical and live footage, photographs and artifacts to create an extensive archive of material related to Death Valley. He has been an invited speaker at historical societies and events throughout the West and has served as consultant on projects for PBS’ Nature, WQED’s Mojave Desert Project, The History Channel’s “Death Valley Chronicles” and others.

A spaghetti dinner and auction fundraiser will be held at the Maverick Saloon on July 12, with proceeds going to Mikey Welch, the Hafen Elementary student who was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. and the auction is at 6:30. Live music will begin at 8 p.m., featuring the Wretched Soul Kids.

Advance tickets are $20 or $25 at the door.

Sidro Garcia and “Sidro’s Armada” will be back at the Pahrump Nugget tonight and tomorrow night beginning at 7 p.m. Garcia and his band are all accomplished musicians but Garcia excels in reproducing the authenticity of Spanish-style riffs and takes the stage in solo performances.

This Saturday’s Movie in the Park will be shown at Ian Deutch Memorial Park this weekend. The PG-rated movie will be “The Nut Job” and will begin at dusk. Concessions will be available. Bring blankets or chairs. The event is alcohol, tobacco and drug free.

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will begin its Food Preservation 101 classes Thursday, July 17 and will be held July 31, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. The classes are $25 each for the exception of the July 31 class on drying herbs and vegetables, fruits and other pantry items. That class is $20. Other classes cover canning, making jams and jellies and the art of pickling.

Space fills quickly. Call 727-5532 to reserve your space.

Sanders Family Winery is planning its next outdoor show for July 19 only. “An Adventure in Time,” with Lynn Petersen and the Phatt Kattz is scheduled to begin at dusk. The performance will showcase music from the 50s and 60s through present day with costumes to enhance the era.

Tickets are $15 per person and reservations for a table are advised for those attending as a group. Gates open at 6 p.m. for free wine tastings. Bring snacks or a picnic. Wine and other beverages are available for purchase.