For the last 13 years, Pahrump has held its own version of the Pony Express. The ride has varied in length from over 40 miles to a little over 10 miles.
Most years, the Pony Express Trail Ride has been part of the Wild West Extravaganza, but Pony Express organizer Doug Shaw said the committee has moved the event to coincide with the Fall Festival in hopes of getting more support.
Shaw said this year the trail riders will participate in the Fall Festival Parade and it will serve as the beginning of the journey.
Right now, the group is promoting envelope sales. Anyone can purchase a specially commemorated envelope and have a letter delivered to anyone, including themselves.
Although the ride isn’t sanctioned by the Pony Express re-enactors, who take a yearly trek on the actual trail used to move the mail through northern Nevada, the riders do carry mail from one place to another.
This year, the charity event will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which represents children’s interests in a court of law.
Envelopes are $5 each and the price hasn’t changed since the first piece of mail left St. Joseph, Mo., on a trip to San Francisco, Calif., in 1860.
The letters will travel with the Pony Express Trail Ride participants to the main stage at Petrack Park on Sept. 28, where it will be postmarked.
Mail call will be around 4:30 p.m. with Judge Kimberly Wanker, who will be passing out mail from the stage.
Any unclaimed letters/envelopes may be picked up at the Pahrump Valley Chamber offices on the second floor of the Nevada State Bank building on South Highway 160.
The specially-printed envelopes cannot be sent by U.S. Postal Service.
Shaw said envelopes are available at Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump Valley Museum and the Chamber of Commerce office.
Once you have purchased the envelope, imprint the recipient’s name and address on the front. When your document is ready to send, leave it at the purchase location. A committee member will pick up the envelopes on Sept. 27.
Sponsorships for promotion on print media materials, T-shirts and in the packet of materials given to the participating riders are also welcome.
For more information, contact Shaw at siringo55@gmail.com or call 764-8004.
The trail ride is sponsored by Inspirations Senior Living, which will provide breakfast for the riders, and Arrow Over X Feed Company will provide lunch.