This past week, the town of Hawthorne doubled as the festivities of the 67th annual Armed Forces Day event began to ramp up.

The annual Walker Lake High Desert Art Show was open for display at Souled Out – Wellness, Art and Education Center across at 898 E Street from Thursday to Saturday.

Barley’s Sports Bar had a variety of events starting at 10 a.m. One event near and dear to those in Mineral County is the Kenny Bostic Memorial Youth Athletic Fun Chili Cook-Off. Cooking began at 10 a.m. with tasting/judging beginning at 3 p.m.

For the kids – a mud pit was open as well as a watermelon eating contest and stunt bike riders.

Looking to take a step back in time, join the girls in the pin-up contest at 6:30 p.m. at the sports bar.

The finale of the night is always the El Capitan Casino firework display. Shot off the roof of the legendary casino, the display began with an introduction by Lt. Col. Scott Bishop, of the Hawthorne Army Depot. Nightly entertainment was held at both Joe’s and Barley’s afterward.

Saturday held activities to keep a family busy all day. Beginning with the annual Hawthorne Elk’s Lodge pancake and sausage breakfast at 7:30 a.m., families were able to keep busy by visiting the Warbird Aircraft Display at the Hawthorne Industrial Airport, the Revvv Up Show and Shine ended with the Boy Scout flag ceremony at 11 a.m. at the grandstands on Main Street.

The flyover started off the 67th annual parade with over 60 entries already registered. Many familiar faces will make their way down the street as well as state delegates and new friends come to “America’s Patriotic Home”. The “Big Flag” will once again be escorted down the street. Volunteers will be needed to help carry the stars and stripes down the road. Volunteers can meet at the reviewing stand.

The afternoon can be spent with kid’s activities at Lion’s Park, a tour of the old courthouse as well as the annual Joe’s Tavern Tricycle Races and the new USO Prom.

Sunday concludes the events with a town clean-up beginning at 9 a.m. on Main Street.