DEXTER – The Dexter Regional Development Corp. is taking over the reins of the Wild West Weekend on Aug. 4, 5 and 6.

The town was the previous sponsor, but a change was made because of insurance reasons, organizer Judy Craig said this week.

Craig said some national attention will be given to the horse-friendly town. A writer for Trail Blazer magazine is doing an article on horse-friendly towns and plans to include Dexter, she said. The writer searched the Internet and found the Wild West Weekend site, which prompted her interest, Craig said. Several photographs of previous Wild West weekends were sent for inclusion in the magazine, she said.

Since the event is held the same weekend as Dover-Foxcroft’s annual Homecoming celebration, corporation members are working with Dover-Foxcroft organizers to promote both events and the region, Craig said.

Neither organization wants to change the date of its celebration since Dover-Foxcroft’s coincides with the annual Foxcroft Academy alumni banquet and Dexter’s coincides with the North Country Riding Club’s annual horse show. Craig said Dexter will not have a parade or fireworks because Dover-Foxcroft has them planned.

Wild West Weekend also will feature performances by singer Debbie Meyers, a pig scramble, a chili contest, a lobsterfest and a gathering of the Maine Wheels Recreational Vehicle Organization.

Donations are being accepted to help defray the costs of the event. The donations may be sent to Judy Craig, care of the Dexter Regional Development Corp., Box 122, No. 10 Road, Dexter, Maine 04930.