Laxalt is hosting the inaugural Basque Fry

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt says he hopes his Basque-themed gathering of Republican presidential candidates this weekend will become a can't-miss campaign stop and spawn copycats in the Silver State.

Laxalt is hosting the inaugural Basque Fry on Saturday at a ranch in Gardnerville. Republican presidential candidates Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson and George Pataki are scheduled to attend.

Laxalt says the $35-per-person barbecue isn't a fundraiser and aims to give everyday voters a chance to talk with candidates. It's modeled after similar gatherings in early vote states, such as the Harkin Steak Fry that attracted Democratic candidates for four decades in Iowa.

The event carries on a tradition from Laxalt's Basque grandfather, former Nevada governor and Sen. Paul Laxalt, who held similar barbecues for 30 years.