135th Nevada State Fair
August 26 through 30
Nothing says summer like a state fair. The nevada Nevada state State fair Fair proudly announces it has gone ‘green’ with their competition guide, known as the ‘comp book,’ available exclusively online for the 2009 fair, keeping about a dozen trees from being turned into paper pulp. Find out about the events, the Demolition Derby, 4H contests, FFA competitions, rides food, and more online. August 27 is ‘$80 Per Car Load Night’ when up to 12 belted passengers get unlimited carnival rides until closing. Participants must park in the free fair parking lots. $10 admission for ages 11- to 64, all others are free. All shows and entertainment (except carnival rides, camel and pony rides) are included. Scolari’s and Sak ‘n ‘n Save have advance gate admission tickets for $8 and advance ride wrist bands for $16. August 26 and 27 from 5 p.m., to 10 p.m., August 28 and 29 from noon to 11 p.m. August 30 from noon to 10 p.m. Reno Livestock Event Center, 1350 North Wells Avenue. nvstatefair.com, 775-688-5767.
Nevada County Fair
August 12 through 16
They’ve got, barns full of livestock, thousands of community exhibits, Treat Street goodies, live entertainment, contests, the Extreme Zone, an Idol Competition, nightly arena events, daily demonstrations, the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, and carnival rides and games. Their new ride, Balloon Samba, was previously owned by Michael Jackson and operated at the Neverland Ranch. Admission is $8 for Adults, $6 for Seniors, Children ages 6 through 12 cost $3 and ages 5 and under are free. Carnival bracelets, good for unlimited rides on any one day, cost $28. Go to the website for a coupon for $2 off general admission on Thursday and for other discounts. Parking is $6. Free parking and shuttle buses from Nevada Union High School. Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Friday, the fair opens at 9 a.m. for people with disabilities. 11228 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, off Highway 49, nevadacountyfair.com, 530-273-6217.
eScrip
Don’t forget to support your school this year by enrolling in eScrip, a proven resource in which participating businesses contribute a percentage of grocery loyalty card, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to an organization of choice. There is no merchandise to buy or sell and no awkward phone calls to make. Parents, teachers, friends and families are encouraged to register their grocery club cards and credit/debit cards as supporters. If you don’t have a child in school, they’d still love your support. Split your donation up to three ways to support other participating schools and non-profit organizations. In this age of shrinking budgets, community participation and outside sources of funding are a necessity for all schools. This funding helps to meet needs such as field trips, teacher continuing education seminars, school assemblies, nutrition outreach programs, book fairs, family math and reading nights, cross country ski equipment, swimming lessons for all students, scholarships for enrichment classes, Arts for the Schools and more. View participating businesses and register at escrip.com.
TRTA Awarded Grant
The Community Foundation of Western Nevada has awarded a Community Partnership Grant to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) to help fund the AmeriCorps position of Trails Program Manager. This position is responsible for recruiting volunteers and managing trail operations, public outreach, outdoor youth education, and program development. Funding this position is critical for successful recruiting and training of more than 1,500 volunteers who are needed to help with regular maintenance, 14 miles of new trail awaiting construction at Daggett Summit and other trail projects, including the long-awaited Rim to Reno trail. TRTA provides a safe experience for more than 100,000 annual users of the system through the trail maintenance and construction program. In 2008, volunteers gave over 7,000 hours to maintain the Tahoe Rim Trail. Volunteer attahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-0012.
Northstar Golf Deals
• Golfers can enjoy a weekend getaway at Northstar with the Stay and Golf Free lodging package. Starting at just $75 per person per night, this package includes lodging and two rounds of golf per night per room, plus plenty of resort extras like free range balls, access to the Recreation Center with pools, spas and fitness center, complimentary tickets for scenic lift rides and free roller skating.
• Sunday through Thursday, active military personnel get 50 percent off green fees when accompanied by a full paying guest.
• Drive and Dine Specials – The 18 Holes and Sushi Rolls package includes a round of golf with cart and a $25 voucher good for dining at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar. The Putting Greens and Fine Cuisine package includes a round of golf with cart and a $25 voucher good for dining at Baxter’s Bistro and Lounge. Both drive-and-dine specials are just $95 or $75 for twilight golf (Northstar Resort also has the earliest twilight times in Lake Tahoe, beginning at 1:00 p.m.).
• 3-Pak for $57 per round. Perfect for the weekend golfer, the 3-Pak offers maximum flexibility, lets golfers make tee times any day, and includes a shared cart. Just $169 for three rounds. northstarattahoe.com, 800-go-north.
Sierra Club Gala
August 14 through16
The Sierra Club is celebrating the anniversaries of its two historic lodges. Clair Tappaan is 75 and Hutchinson is 85 years old. Activities on Friday include campfires with Celtic Music, S’mores and brandy. Saturday will be full with hikes, watercolor painting, fly fishing, solar oven demos, veterans’ stories, a wine-and-cheese reception, scavenger hunt, blue grass music, stargazing, raffle and more. On Sunday there will be a pancake breakfast, hikes, watercolor and rock painting, and a Music Festival from 1 to 6 p.m., including a beer garden and barbeque. Entire event costs $195 for adults and $75 for kids, which includes all meals (Friday dinner to Sunday lunch), overnight lodging Friday and Saturday nights, and all the activities. One-night rates for Saturday are $145 per adult and $50 per child, Saturday Activities are $75 for Adults, $10 for kids. Sunday Activities are $25 for adults and $10 for kids. Sunday Music Festival is $15. Don’t wait to reserve your spot. 19940 Donner Pass Road, Norden. ctl@sierraclub.org, 800-679-6775 or 530-426-3632.
TRTA Hikes
August 18, 21 and September 4
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association offers exciting free hikes to fill your summer days.
August 18: Lower Echo Lakes to Tamarack Lake. Explore beautiful Desolation Wilderness on this enjoyable day hike. Plan to have lunch at Tamarack Lake and hike the small loop to see Cagwin and Ralston Lakes before heading back. Total distance is 9 to 10 miles roundtrip. Participants must be able to hike 2 miles per hour and dogs need to stay home. Moderate elevation gain.
August 21: Armstrong Pass to Star Lake. Star Lake is located at the base of Job’s Sister. This is a strenuous hike at high elevation, from 8700’ to almost 10,000, with views of the Crystal Range, Lake Tahoe and Freel Peak. 14.6 miles, strenuous, out and back. Participants must be able to hike 2 miles per hour, and dogs need to stay home. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. (You can pump at Star Lake.)
September 4: Kingsbury to Spooner Summit. This moderately difficult hike provides intermittent views of Lake Tahoe and an exhilarating view of most of the lake at the approximate halfway point – a windswept, nearly level, open area of South Camp Peak. Bring snacks, lunch, and a lot of water as there are no water sources on this hike. 12 miles. Pre-registration is required. tahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-0012.
Trails and Vistas Art Hike
September 12 and 13
Walk among majestic aspen groves, towering pines and grassy meadows with poets, musicians, storytellers and artists at this year’s Trails and Vistas: Terra Caeli. The interactive art hike features eight performance venues along a three-mile, single-track trail that begins at the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center in Truckee. An equestrian element will be showcased as world-renowned Cavalia choreographer Alain Gauthier partners with InnerRhythms Dance Theatre on three equine performances. Specialty hikes include a slower paced Leisure Hike and Walking Meditation Hike with local poets. Tickets are $25 adult and $10 child (ages 5 to 13) and are available at Truckee Chamber of Commerce or online. After August 15 prices increase by $5 per ticket. TrailsandVistas.org, 530-587-2757.
