The 6th annual Cave Creek Wild West Days event is a festive weekend coordinated by the non-profit Cave Creek Merchant’s Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free. For more information about Cave Creek Wild West Days, call (480) 437-1110 or visit www.cavecreekchamber.org.

Thursday, October 30

“Cowboy Spurs & Spikes” Golf Tournament
12:30 p.m. followed by a Western buffet dinner at the Tonto Bar & Grill. Rancho Manana Golf Club, 5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd., in Cave Creek.
Shotgun golfers can dress in their favorite cowboy/girl attire and enjoy the links. This four-person scramble will feature contests for closest to pins, longest drive, longest putt, and best western outfit.
Entry Deadline is October 23rd. $100 per player.
Contact: Dale Samar (480) 488-0398.

Friday, October 31

Kid’s Halloween Party : 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pages, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, in Stage Coach Village
Kids are encouraged to dress in costume for trick or treating and fun. Scary, kid-friendly movies will be shown and light refreshments and food will be served. Kids can enter the costume contest and win prizes throughout the evening. Call (480) 575-7200 or www.PagesNewAndRare.com.

“Not-Too-Scary” Haunted House: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
RisingSun Montessori Day School, 38246 N. Hazelwood Circle, Downtown Cave Creek.
FREE Community Event! Trick-or-Treating, Games, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Hotdogs, Hot Apple Cider and a Not-Too-Scary Haunted House. Wear your costumes and bring your friends! Fun for all ages. Contact: 480-595-KIDS (5437) or www.risingsunmontessori.com.

Cave Creek Featured Artist Lance Headlee: 6 to 10 p.m.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road
An acclaimed painter from Anthem, Lance Headlee will sign limited edition prints of his painting, “Lean on Me,” throughout the weekend. Headlee’s bold, sophisticated and captivating contemporary paintings have attracted collectors worldwide. His original painting “Lean on Me” was inspired by Bill Withers’ 1972 hit song and depicts an evocative scene of a cowboy embracing a cowgirl. Unsigned prints cost $20; signed prints cost $30.

“Wild West Days Kick-Off Party”: 7 p.m.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road
Who better to kick off this party than Country band Mogollon? Free admission.
Call (480) 488-1906.

Live Bull Riding, Boo & Bulls Bash Costume Party
The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road
Come see the breathtaking skill of professional bull riders as they buck bulls at 8 p.m.; 9:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.; Celebrate Halloween at the “Boo & Bulls Bash” Costume Party at 8 p.m.; AZ Knights Poker Tournament from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Enjoy music by The Pat James Band from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Call (480) 488-9118.

Classic Car Show: 6 p.m.
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, 6135 E Cave Creek Rd
Voted “Best Burger Joint with a History” in the September 2008 issue of PHOENIX Magazine, Big Earl’s occupies an old service station that began in 1936, was moved to Cave Creek in 1952, and operated as a gas station until the late 1980s. The restaurant features vintage memorabilia, retro booths and bar stools, and prices from the gas pumps outside are still stuck at the 94.9 cents a gallon price in the 1970s. Check out the vintage cars and have some eats! (480) 575-7889

Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Oct. 31, Nov. 1 & 2

Wild West Days Gallery Tour: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Long known for its arts community, Cave Creek is home to 10 fine art galleries: Level 9 Gallery; Camarena Art Gallery; Steven DeWitt Perrin Gallery; Blue Coyote Gallery; Galeria Bellas Artes; D. Lyon Art Gallery; Kevin Harris Gallery; Nickel Creek Gallery; Robert Thornley Studio & Sculpture Gallery; and Blue Sage Gallery. You’ll find a variety of Native American, Western, Contemporary, and Abstract fine art. Call (480) 595-1123 or visit www.cavecreekchamber.org.

Branded Bullfrog Sand-carts, Gourd Art Demonstration, Live Music
The Horny Toad, 6738 E Cave Creek Rd
Check out Branded Bullfrog’s new street legal sand-carts for rent and for sale; see how gourd art is created or have a bite to eat while enjoying live music outside and inside; Drink specials with the new Margaritaville Tequila. Call (480) 488-9542

Pegler’s Silver Spur Saloon & Eatery “Soft Opening”
6245 E. Cave Creek Road
It’s back! The popular Silver Spur Saloon, first owned and operated by Armand and Ellen Christopher in the 1970s, has returned to Frontier Town. Come see the real bullet holes on the back of the walls … a testament to how tough Cave Creek was even during the disco era. Enjoy food and drink specials, hourly prizes, and a “Wheel of Prizes.” Stay tuned for more details about the January Grand-Opening! Call (480) 488-3317 or visit www.SilverSpurSaloon.com.

Saturday, November 1

Poker Ride: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The ride check-in, start and finish is at T.C. Thorstensen’s arena, located right in back of Hammerhead Jack’s. Turn north from Cave Creek Road on the street next to Cave Creek Building Supply (across from Harold’s) and park in back of the arena. You will ride through Galloway wash and follow Town of Cave Creek Trails, making six stops for cards. Enjoy cool refreshments at Harold’s while the best poker hands receive prizes. Entry fee is $10. Make checks payable to Cave Creek Merchants Chamber (CCMC). Contact Carol Reill,
(480) 250-8880.

“Not-Too-Scary” Haunted House: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
RisingSun Montessori Day School, 38246 N. Hazelwood Circle, Downtown Cave Creek.
FREE Community Event! Trick-or-Treating, Games, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Hotdogs, Hot Apple Cider and a Not-Too-Scary Haunted House. Wear your costumes and bring your friends! Fun for all ages. Contact: 480-595-KIDS (5437) or www.risingsunmontessori.com.

Cave Creek Hot Sauce Tasting: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cooking demo at 11 a.m.
featuring Renee Ellis.
Suzanne’s Hot Stuff in Frontier Town
6245 E. Cave Creek Road. Call (480) 488-1277

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers book signing
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pages, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, in Stage Coach Village
Meet authors and discuss their work at this multi-author event. Authors include: Anna Bartowski, Value Meals on the Volga; Patricia L. Brook, Gifts of Sisterhood; Kebba Buckley, Discover the Secret Energized You; Dana Davis, The Mask of Tamirella; Lilia Fallgatter, The Most Important Letter you will ever Write; Barbara Levy, Mexican Strawberries; and Marilyn McGrath, All you know on Earth. Call (480) 575-7200 or visit www.PagesNewAndRare.com

Black Mountain Cave Creek Feed Grand Opening
All day. 6198 E Cave Creek Rd. Come see what is in store for Wild West Days.
Call (480) 488-9180.

Bullriding Championship & Western Extravaganza
The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road
All Day Dunk Tank with locals getting dunked for charity
Noon to 4 p.m. – Arizona State Quick Draw Championships
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Chip toss; calf dressing; goat tying and Petting Zoo from noon to 5 p.m.
3 to 7 p.m. – The Landon Shill Band
5 to 10 p.m. – Cave Creek Wild West Days Bull Riding Championship
5:30 to 10:30 p.m. – Pro Bull Riders Autograph Signing
9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. – The Pat James Band live music
Call (480) 488-9118

Live Dutch Oven Cooking and Chili Tasting: 1 p.m.
Big Bronco, 6602 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Experience traditional Dutch oven cooking, long associated with cattle drives, chuck wagons and the old West. Sample delicious chili prepared over a campfire, and learn Dutch oven cooking tips for your own recipes on the trail. Enjoy a taste of the real old West. Open to the public, free. Cooking demonstration by Barb Kennedy-Wendt of Cowgirls Forever.
Call (480) 575-1357

“Wild West Days at Cave Creek Museum”: 2 to 3 p.m.
6140 E. Skyline Drive
Cave Creek Museum presents: "Let ‘Er Buck! Early Rodeo History" by Lance Valdespino. Join Lance, professional horse trainer for his presentation on the early years of rodeo capturing the true spirit of the west. "Let ‘Er Buck" takes you back to turn-of-the-century cattle drives and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Old time photographs follow the evolution of rodeo events from their origin in the late 1800s through the mid 1930s. Learn about Bronc Riding, Steer Roping, Bull Dogging and Bull Riding as it used to be! Call (480) 488-2764.

Wild West Days Party at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
All Day – Live music feature three bands
6895 E. Cave Creek Road
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Harold’s offers a nostalgic view into the days of the “Wild West.” Several Western movies were filmed here, including Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins, Electroglide in Blue, and Little Foss and Big Halsey. Recently chosen “Best Cowboy Bar” in the 2008 azcentral.com Reader’s Choice poll, Harold’s party on Saturday features Country band Rondavous from noon to 4 p.m.; Sidewinder from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Mogollon from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Call (480) 488-1906.

Dolan Ellis, Official Arizona State Balladeer: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cave Creek Coffee Company & Wine Bar (C4), 6033 E. Cave Creek Road
Arizona’s Official State Balladeer, Dolan Ellis, has devoted much of his life to telling the world about Arizona through song. Ellis was an original member of the New Christy Minstrels and now performs with them again. He appears solo at C4 for the Wild West Days event. Tickets are $18 in advance; $22 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.CaveCreekCoffee.com or at C4. Call (480) 488-0603.

Saturday & Sunday
November 1 & 2

Mounted Shooters of America Competition and Wild West Show Wild West Shooter’s Arena (Cave Creek and Vermeersch Roads).
11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. - “Dr. Buck’s Wild West Comedy Gunfight & Stunt Show”
11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. - “Bad Dog’s” Trick Ride’n & Shoot’n Wild West Show
12 noon & 3:30 p.m. - “Hot Shot’s” Gun Spinning, Bullwhip & Trick Shooting Show
12:30 & 4:30 p.m. - “Doggies of the Wild West Show”
1, 2, 3 & 4 p.m. – Mounted Shooting
Contact: T.C. Thorstenson, (602) 283-3256 or Dr. Buck, (623) 521-3856

Cave Creek Featured Artist Lance Headlee: 12 to 6 p.m.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road
An acclaimed painter from Anthem, Lance Headlee will sign limited edition prints of his painting, “Lean on Me,” throughout the weekend. Headlee’s bold, sophisticated and captivating contemporary paintings have attracted collectors worldwide. His original painting “Lean on Me” was inspired by Bill Withers’ 1972 hit song and depicts an evocative scene of a cowboy embracing a cowgirl. Unsigned prints cost $20; signed prints cost $30.

Arts & Crafts Show: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Frontier Town, Pegler’s Silver Spur Saloon & Eatery
6245 E. Cave Creek Road. Call (480) 488-9129

“Old-Time Lunch Specials”
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, 6135 E Cave Creek Rd. Burgers, fries, malteds and all your favorite coffee drinks. Stop by Big Earl’s Greasy Eats for your Wild West Days breakfast, lunch or dinner. Voted “Best Burger Joint with a History” in the September 2008 issue of PHOENIX Magazine, Big Earl’s occupies an old service station that began in 1936, was moved to Cave Creek in 1952, and operated as a gas station until the late 1980s. The restaurant features vintage memorabilia, retro booths and bar stools, and prices from the gas pumps outside are still stuck at the 94.9 cents a gallon price in the 1970s. Call (480) 575-7889.

Old-Fashioned Western Photos, Book Signing, Southwestern Jewelry and more:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Western Photos and Jewelry Show
Carefree Consignment, 6554 East Cave Creek Rd.
Whether your fantasy is to be a gunslinger, bronc rider, saloon girl or gambler, don’t miss this chance to have your picture taken in authentic old Western garb. Better yet – get your family and friends together for a group photo – there is even an outfit for Fido if he wants to be in the picture, too! Cave Creek writer Ann Hoffman will also autograph copies of her newly released book Hilda Hydro – Girls Go Green, and Southwestern jewelry artist Becky Lombard will show and sell her distinctive necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Be sure to browse the Collectible Corral, Tallulah's and Carefree Consignment. Special items will be on sale at all three stores in celebration of Wild West Days. You're also invited to take a look inside the newly opened Desert Dog Spa and find out about the services they offer. Call (480) 595-8185.

Indian Fry Bread
Indian Village, 6746 E. Cave Creek Road
(480) 488-2827

Sunday, November 2

Cave Creek Hot Sauce Tasting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Suzanne’s Hot Stuff at Frontier Town
6245 E. Cave Creek Road. Call (480) 488-1277.

Western Extravaganza
The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road
All You Can Eat BBQ Buffet all day for $9.95; free for kids under 14.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Chip toss; calf dressing; goat tying and Petting Zoo from noon to 5 p.m.
3 to 6 p.m. – The Landon Shill Band
6 to 7 p.m. – Free Dance Lessons with Maggie Tennison
7 p.m. to midnight – The Pat James Band live music
Call (480) 488-9118

Luv Shack Horse Rescue/Horse Petting Fun
1 p.m. at Big Bronco, 6602 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Kids of all ages will enjoy getting up close and personal with the horses from the Luv Shack Horse Rescue. Learn about these symbols of the American West. From Mustangs to Thoroughbreds, from care tips to feeding facts, you’ll have a chance to pet the rescued animals and take photographs amid the beautiful western backdrop of Big Bronco. Open to the public. Free. Call (480) 575-1357.

Wild West Days Party at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Road
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Harold’s offers a nostalgic view into the days of the “Wild West.” Several Western movies were filmed here, including Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins, Electroglide in Blue, and Little Foss and Big Halsey. Recently chosen “Best Cowboy Bar” in the 2008 azcentral.com Reader’s Choice poll, Harold’s party on Sunday features Country band Rondavous from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call (480) 488-1906.

“Wild West Days Parties” Music and dancing at the
local hang-outs throughout town!

Copyright © 2008 Sonoran News