Extreme Thing set to heat things up

This year's Clark County Park s and Recreation-sponsored Extreme Thing is set to showcase 21 national bands, a bike competition and break dancing exhibition.

The 16th annual Extreme Thing at Desert Breeze Skatepark, 8275 W. Spring Mountain Road, will feature radio bands such as the Hollywood Undead, POD and Sum 41 along with local bands such as Capture the Clouds, Amarionette, Joshua Judges Ruth and A Year From Yesterday.

Special E vents C oordinator Brian Saliba said the event, which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, will be a new experience for some .

"We have some great new facets we have added trying to keep things fresh and popping," he said.

Saliba said the rock-style festival will also feature lesser known but popular bands such as the Black Veil Brides.

"They're definitely rising stars, and we believe that they will attract a lot of people," he said.

According to Saliba, the typical age demographic for Extreme Thingers is approximately 12 to 25, although the more mature crowd does tend to frequent the event.

"It's hard to pigeonhole just who will show up because we have a lot of kids, but we also have a lot of parents that show up," he said.

Las Vegas resident Ryan Dickinson, 18, said he attends the event every year with a group of friends.

"We have this tradition that we come out and just hang out and listen to great music," he said. "We hit on girls. It's a good time."

Dickinson said sometimes the Las Vegas heat makes an early spring appearance, but he braves the elements in search of a fun, music-filled afternoon.

"Sometimes it's hot, but you can push past that," he said. "It's never, like, middle-of-summer hot."

The event also features a number of food and beverage vendors.

Dickinson said this year he's most looking forward to the Ricardo Laguna BMX Pro Dirt Jump Challenge, which will feature more than 65 pros from around the world.

"I like to watch that kind of stuff," he said. "Wish I could do it myself."

No coolers, food or animals are allowed. Saliba said carpooling for the event is recommended as parking is limited.

"I've been told that the parking situation is a source of frustration for people who attend the festival," he said. "So this year, we are asking that if you're able to carpool, please do so. It will make the entire experience run smoother for everyone attending."

Contact Southwest and Spring Valley View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.