New name for Nevada State Fair reflects West roots

RENO (AP) - Nevada's state fair has opened its run through Sunday with a new name that reflects the state's roots on the Western frontier - the Nevada Territory Wild West Fair.

Several hundred fairgoers lined up in 99-degree heat to take advantage of the free admission when the gates opened Wednesday evening at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.

New events include gunfight shows, cavalry re-enactments, cowboy poetry readings and bull riding as well as longtime favorites like the carnival rides, wiener dog races and demolition derby.

This year also marks the return of the Hay Palace, a multistory castle made of hay that serves as the grand entrance to the Showcase of Agriculture. It was last built at the 1915 Nevada State Fair in Fallon.

"The fundamental pieces of the fair are still there," said Rich Crombie, the fair's executive director. "But we want to package it in a thematic arrangement that celebrates the state.

"Aside from gaming, we are famous for being a true Western frontier."

The 75-minute Great American Wild West Show has chuck wagon races, trick ropers and characters like Wyatt Earp coming to life. It's free with admission to the fair on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Another new event is the Wild West Invitational Bull Riding Bonanza, which will feature 25 cowboys testing their mettle against bulls. That event, which is at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Reno Rodeo Arena, also is free with paid admission to the fair.

The Western States Cavalry Championship features action each day of the fair starting Thursday in the Indoor Arena.