Park City ? The first attraction of Wild West World, a theme park in suburban Wichita that eventually will include 25 rides and other features, officially has opened.

The Johnny Western Theatre, named for the musician and longtime KFDI radio personality, was unveiled Thursday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony with park owners Thomas and Cheryl Etheredge. Events scheduled for the “pueblo deco” theater begin Sept. 8 with a Neal McCoy concert.

“In 57 years, I’ve been lucky enough to see my name in newspapers and magazines around the world, but I’ve never seen my name in red neon 21 feet long,” Western said of the sign gracing the entrance.

The metal and stone theatre has the appearance of a Southwestern cantina garden from the inside, opening to the night sky. It can hold 1,300 for a concert or up to 1,000 for catered dinners.

“In all humility, I don’t think I deserve this,” said Western, who once backed Johnny Cash and has toured the world with Thomas Etheredge’s Prairie Rose Wranglers. “But 13 years ago, I had open heart surgery and I didn’t deserve that, either.”

Thomas Etheredge said the rest of the $27 million theme park will be completed in about 90 days, although the seasonal portion won’t open until May 5. Until then, staff members will be cleaning, stocking and testing all the rides and attractions.

“We’ll have 67 structures and 100 experiences,” he said. “Everything will be in place by the end of the year.”

While the rest of the park will be seasonal, the Johnny Western Theatre will remain open year-round, entertainment director Clayton Whitson said. Antique shows, craft festivals and private parties are already on the agenda.

The Rev. Terry Fox also announced that Immanuel Baptist Church, to which Etheredge belongs, will hold services at the theater beginning Sept. 3.