Las Vegas Weekly

Aliens, rockers and extreme sports at Flying Saucer grand opening

If you come to the grand opening of the Flying Saucer/Area 52 dressed like this, you might win some out-of-this-world prizes. (We crack ourselves up.)

Photo: Erin Ryan

Most conspiracy theorists stay deep underground, but that’s where Kae Pohe is convinced the alien wreckage is being stored (under Hoover Dam, to be exact). He’s the mastermind behind Boulder City’s Flying Saucer (fondly nicknamed Area 52), which is devoted to exposing the truth and carrying some of the wackiest merchandise in the Valley—and that’s saying something.

After the soft opening earlier this summer, the shop attracted tourists with an enormous talking alien named Eak and products ranging from scholarly books on UFOs to RC flying saucers and space-themed beer. From 5-9 p.m. Saturday, September 24, the shop is celebrating its grand opening with a mix of otherworldly entertainment.

The event will be overseen by emcee Justin Keough, also known as Boulder City’s Elvis. Special guests include Tony Dow, a comic impressionist responsible for the many voices of Eak, and Radiozone1.com hosts John D and Valerie G, who will be recording live. And Electro rockers Pride and the Vanities will provide pop glam performances worthy of Jabba the Hutt’s lounge.

In addition to free food and alien costume contests (with prizes) for kids and adults, there will be a “ThrillJump” involving a high platform and a massive inflatable landing pad.

“It’s like landing on a pillow,” says Pohe, adding that this is the first time the attraction has appeared anywhere in the U.S. With some luck, it will draw the aliens out of their hiding spot so we can find out if they bounce.

Schedule of special events

• 5-6:15 p.m.—Crazy alien costume contest for kids

• 6:30-7 p.m.—Pride and the Vanities

• 7-8 p.m.—Crazy alien costume contest for adults

• 8:15-8:45 p.m.—Pride and the Vanities