Fans flock to 'Alienstock' in the Nevada desert

Alien hunters are heading to Area 51.

They're hoping for a party, or a peek at UFOs - depending on who you talk to.

For decades, the U.S. military base deep in the Nevada desert was rumored to be the final resting place of a crashed flying saucer and its alien crew.

Now, it's ground zero for a weekend of extra-terrestrial fun.

It all began earlier this year with a joke on Facebook: a call to storm the base.

More than million people responded.

But in the months since, plans changed from a raid to a music festival; two of them, in fact.

Although some fans are keeping their options open.

(REPORTER QUESTION: "Are you guys going to try to raid Area 51?")

(SOUNDBITE) (English) CAYLA MCVEY, UFO ENTHUSIAST, SAYING:

"No"

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NICHOLAS BOHEN, UFO ENTHUSIAST, SAYING:

"Hey, if other people are doing it."

The government broke its silence on Area 51 some years ago, saying the base was used to test spy planes.

But rumors have refused to die out.

One of the music festivals, dubbed Alienstock, is being hosted in the nearby town of Rachel, population 50.

Some locals warn they're totally unprepared for an influx of visitors.

Even organizer Connie West admits some of the details are a little fuzzy

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL INN OWNER AND FESTIVAL ORGANIZER, CONNIE WEST, SAYING:

"I've been told anywhere from 5 to 50,000 could be here. I don't know if that is going to happen or not. You know I can't anticipate or predict what is going to happen. But do I think there is going to be a disaster? No. Do I think somebody might get hurt? Of course."

Authorities have urged visitors to bring their own food and water

They're ready to declare an emergency if things get out of hand.

Meanwhile, the U.S. airforce has made it clear that Area 51 is still off limits.

ENDS