(Park City, KS)- The Wild West World Theme Park welcomed in excess of 8,000 people Saturday during the Grand Opening of Kansas’ newest and largest attraction. Wild West World was closed Sunday due to dangerous weather situations.

Wild West World’s guests experienced some of the finest in family fun as they rode rides, sang songs, played games and ate great food. The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake in the middle of Wild West World.

“We were so proud of all of our staff who worked very hard to provide this great family entertainment for our guests. I didn’t hear a single complaint all day,” Wild West World owner and C.E.O. Thomas Etheredge said.

The day kicked-off with a ceremony on Main Street recognizing all who made Wild West World possible led by Etheredge.

“Wild West World would not be possibly without the many different partners that have helped this project come to fruition,” Etheredge said and added “We thank each and everyone who has made this dream a reality for the families of Kansas.”

The dignitaries included local, national and international individuals and companies that assisted in the construction of Wild West World. Some international guest even traveled from Italy, France and Germany.

Also in attendance during the ceremony were the Grand Prize winners of the “Name the Cowboy Contest.” Alek Bergen a 9-year-old boy from Augusta won the Grand Prize with the winning name of “Wild Willie West” accompanied with a very colorful drawing, complete with a leather vest and felt chaps. The other two Grand Prize Winners were Andie Nibango, an 8-year-old girl from Towanda and Christopher Smith, a 3-year-old boy from Hutchinson. Each child won a Season Pass to Wild West World, a t-shirt and entrance for their families during Grand Opening.

Wild West World would like to thank Congressman Todd Tiahrt, for his work clearing the National Chinese Acrobats by the Department of Homeland Security to travel to Wild West World in May for summer 2007 performances. The Chinese Acrobats had been denied access to the United States so as to be able to perform at Wild West World, due to much stricter guidelines placed by the Department of Homeland Security. Congressman Tiahrt worked with Wild West World and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the families of Kansas can enjoy the National Acrobatic Troup this summer.

Wild West World is the first major theme park in Kansas and the world’s only all-western theme park conveniently located 4 miles North of Wichita on I-135 at 77th Street North (exit 16). Wild West World is owned by Restoration Farms and is a sister attraction to the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper and Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Museum. For more information on Wild West World, visit www.wildwestworld.net or call 316-425-7000.