Pioche goes all out for Labor Day

Once infamous for its lawlessness, old Pioche now espouses family fun and old-fashioned American activities during holidays and special events. The historic mining boomtown born of silver discoveries in 1864 once boasted a population of 10,000. Just 900 people call Pioche home today, but they work together to produce the town's busy Labor Day schedule, an annual event for the past 103 years.

The county seat for Lincoln County, Pioche sits near U.S. 93 about 180 miles north of Las Vegas. Marked a scenic route on state maps, U.S. 93 introduces travelers to Nevada's vast, sparsely populated backcountry. A short, paved loop through the town's mountainous setting accesses Pioche.

Pioche lies central to varied recreational attractions, including five state parks, back country byways and a 270-mile network of off-highway vehicle routes know as the Silver State OHV Trail, administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

Don't miss the excursions into history when you explore the town itself, including the famous "Million Dollar Courthouse," Boot Hill Cemetery and the Pioche Historical Museum. Ask for the self-guided walking tour brochure at the old courthouse on Lacour Street or the museum on Main Street.

Events drawing crowds rapidly overwhelm the town's ability to house overnight guests. Pioche lists just two tiny motels, a small hotel and a mini-mart with two cabins for rent and a rental house for small groups. Neighboring towns of Panaca and Caliente add a few possibilities for overnight accommodations. Make advance reservations. Many visitors plan to camp, as Pioche offers a couple of RV parks, nearby state parks have good campgrounds and the BLM allows informal RV or car camping with limitations.

The Pioche Labor Day weekend events start with the opening game of a three-day softball tournament on Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. in the town's park and recreational area. Aug. 30 begins with a community breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., put on by the Masonic lodge. In the park more softball, a golf tournament, a turkey shoot, a chili cook-off, a swim meet and a chicken chucking contest follow in rapid succession. Kids swim free of charge at the park pool in the afternoon. Evening begins a community Dutch oven feast, a downtown street dance and a night parade.

Visitors and residents line up early for the Masonic breakfast on Aug. 31. Some head out to Eagle Valley Reservoir a few miles east of town for a fishing derby. Softball playoffs continue. Other events include a golf auction, mucking contests for children and adults, and free swimming for kids. At 4 p.m., plan to attend the volunteer firemen's fundraising dinner. At 6 p.m. a local theater group presents Agatha Christie's "The Mouse Trap" in the Pioche Town Hall. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. in the park.

On Sept. 1, the town plans a sunrise salute at 6 a.m. followed by the Masonic community breakfast. Crowds line Main Street at 10 a.m. for the hometown parade complete with mounted riders, horse drawn vehicles, school marching bands, community leaders, office seekers and any kid or dog that cares to march along. At 11 a.m., drawings for raffle prizes begin, followed by children's contests and adult mining contests in the afternoon. Everyone then calls it a day.

Pioche joins another big event in upcoming weeks. On Sept. 26-27, Lincoln County plans special activities with the BLM and Nevada State Parks for National Public Lands Day. On Sept. 26, volunteer crews will work in Cathedral George State Park on trail maintenance. An ATV poker run departs at 10:30 a.m. from the Lincoln County Courthouse in Pioche. On Saturday, Sept. 27, events include two hikes, four ATV rides, a motorcycle event, a horseback trail ride, an intermediate mountain bike ride and a four-wheel drive adventure.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.