• Photo By Mark Boyd

It's the first weekend in June. And 'round these parts, that means the town yonder north off 101 has itself a little celebration. Pony Express Days in McKinleyville makes its run June 1 to 5 with a cook-off, parade, gymkhana and all-day festival. The town "where horses have the right of way" ain't horsing around. Here's a round-up of all the fun:

On Wednesday, June 1, grab your tastin' spoons, slip a pack of Tums into the pocket of your Wranglers and head out to the Activity Center at Pierson Park for the Chili Cook-Off at 5:30 p.m. ($8). On Friday, June 3 there's a Farm Fest happening at A & L Feed and Garden Supply from noon to 4 p.m. with demos on homesteadin', kids' games and lots of lil' critters (free).

Fortify your troops Saturday, June 4 at the pancake breakfast at Azalea Hall from 8 to 10:30 a.m ($7, $4 kids) before watching the parade going down Central Avenue at 11 a.m. (free). After the cars, horses, kiddos and clowns strut their stuff, make your way to the festival at Pierson Park from noon to 4 p.m. (free). There you'll find music, barbecue, the Pony Express Saloon, a horseshoe tournament and bushels of family fun. For more horsey excitement, check out the gymkhana (competitive games on horseback) all day Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 at the Kjer Road Arena (free).