Wildfire on Wheels
August 8 to 12
Feel the heat of a wildfire, hear the awe-inspiring sounds of a healthy forest, explore issues related to urban/forest interface concerns, and handle actual firefighting equipment – all through a new exhibit called Wildfire on Wheels. The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, Forest Service, CAL FIRE and the Allstate Foundation co-host this interactive wildfire education exhibit at the Nevada County Fair. Due to the tangibility of this exhibit, people are touched, moved, and inspired to make a difference in their forests and their homes. ‘The goal of the exhibit is to explore the role of wildfire in nature, educate property owners on defensible space, and allow exhibit visitors to experience what it is like to be a wildland firefighter,’ said Joanne Drummond, executive director with the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. The exhibit will be located inside Gate 5, next to the Forest Service, CAL FIRE and Fire Safe Council permanent exhibit. Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 Mc Courtney Road, Grass Valley, nevadacountyfair.com, 530-273-6217.
The Meteors are Back
August 11 and 12
No, they’re not a rock band, but they’ll be rockin’ out in the night sky. The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year when the Earth passes through a cloud of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, beginning in late July and lasts into August. Scientists believe this year will be uncommonly good since there won’t be interference from moonlight at the peak of the shower on the nights of August 11 and 12, which will allow clear viewing of the colorful comet debris streaking the sky.
Several venues offer accommodations for excellent viewing.
• Clair Tappaan Lodge, the Sierra Club Lodge on Donner Summit hosts an outdoor celebration on the weekend of August 10 through 12. A presentation on the Perseid Meteor Shower is an unusual addition to this event, followed by an opportunity to stargaze. You can also choose to be wakened at 1 a.m. to see the meteor shower at its height. The light pollution is low and the night sky is spectacular at this altitude. $150 for adults (children $70) covers lodging on Friday and Saturday nights, six meals (including a wild salmon dinner), movies and a mixer Friday night, a wine and cheese reception and silent auction on Saturday afternoon, live music by Mountain Fire Saturday night, hikes and other events. Proceeds will go toward the Lodge. motherlode.sierraclub.org/Sierra Nevada/meteor.html. 800 679-6775.
• August 11, 7 p.m. Join U.C. Davis Thomas J. Long Foundation Education Center’s and Space Science for School’s scientists and volunteers for their Star Party on the beach at Sand Harbor (follow the signs to the east side of the south beach). Pack comfortable chairs, bug spray, food and drinks, blankets, binoculars, if you have them, plus a red filtered flashlight for viewing star charts and walking on the beach. ucdavis.edu/calendar/, 775-881-7560.
Nevada State Fair
August 22 through 26
So much to do! From the Smash-Up Derby to the livestock competition, there is something for everyone: recipe contests, pythons, robots and choirs, musical entertainment, home arts, tractor pulls and, of course, a carnival. Wednesday admission is free and the hours are 5 p.m. to midnight. Thursday through Saturday the fair is open noon to midnight and Sunday the hours are noon to 11 p.m. $7 admission for those 11 to 64. Kids and Seniors over 65 are free. Reno Livestock Event Center, 1350 North Wells Avenue. Nvstatefair.com, 775-688-5767.
Miracle in the Andes
September 2
Bestselling author of ‘Miracle in The Andes,’ the 1972 plane crash survivor, Nando Parrado, will talk about how courage, teamwork, leadership and determination placed new perspective on the value of human life. He and his teammate, Roberto Canessa left the plane’s wreckage after 61 days stranded high in the Andes, and trekked for ten days over 14,000-foot mountain peaks to find help. Come hear an amazing story about the strength of the human spirit. Presentation from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Reception and dinner begin at 5 p.m., General Admission $50. Special pricing for high school and college students. Presented by Children’s Cabinet at Incline Village and Tahoe Rim Trail Association. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Nevada. Parrado.com, 214-906-5454.
Trail & Vistas, Passages
September 9
Audience members wander as hikers through the lush Sierra wilderness in small groups, pausing at eight installation art venues, each set against the striking Sierra back-drop. In its fourth season, Trails and Vistas is a collaboration of more than 50 artists, musicians, dancers, and storytellers on a two and a half mile ‘art hike.’
This year’s theme, ‘Passages’ honors the concept of transformation from one state of being into the next. The renowned ensemble of Balinese musicians and dancers, Gamelan Sekar Jaya, headlines with an orchestra of bronze percussion instruments.
‘The purpose of Trails and Vistas is to reestablish bonds between individuals and their creative spirit, as well as individuals and nature,’ said Nancy Lopez, Artistic Director. Trails and Vistas is a collaborative effort of the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Arts for the Schools and InnerRhythms Dance Theatre. Morning and afternoon performances start at the trailhead of the Pacific Crest/Donner Rim Trail near Boreal Mountain Resort. Purchase tickets in advance to reserve a specific start time and receive a lower ticket price. Adults cost $20 and students are $10, $5 more on the day of the performance. 530-550-8262 trailsandvistas.org.
Aloha Water Enthusiasts
September 1 and 2
The 23rd Annual Lake Tahoe Outrigger Criterion & Canoe/Kayak Classic begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. On Saturday is Outrigger Criterion (OC) 1 & 2, for kayaks, canoes, surf skis, paddleboards; and OC-6 outrigger coed novices compete in short/long course. On Sunday is the traditional OC-6 novice men’s and women’s short course; and outrigger OC-6 open men’s and women’s long course. Hosted by Hui O’ Hawai’i of Sacramento, Inc. E komo mai! If you didn’t understand any of that, just come on down and check it out!
paddling@huiohawaiisacramento.org
Pine Needle Basketry Classes
August 15
Are you interested in the art of weaving? The Gatekeeper’s Museum is hosting pine needle basketry classes from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instructor Audrey Frank is an experienced Washoe-Paiute weaver whose work is featured in the Gatekeeper’s Museum Store. All materials are provided, along with refreshments and a snack. Classes are limited in space and cost $25 for members or $30 for non-members. 130 West Lake Boulevard, just south of the ‘Y’ in Tahoe City, 530-583-1762.
Sierra Club’s Evening at Echo
August 19
The Sierra Club hosts a relaxed outdoor party fundraiser, at Berkeley Camp at Echo Summit at 5 p.m. There will be a performance by Java Djembe featuring African drums and dance, then the Back Forty will play bluegrass. They will have art, food, wine and an auction with very special items featuring the 1940s and the Thunderbird Lodge. The location is beautiful, but parking is tight. Carpool. They would like to offer a shuttle service to and from the party. The caveat – they need a van and a driver. $40 tickets are available at the Sierra Club table at the South Lake Tahoe Farmers Market on Tuesday mornings (in the American Legion parking lot across from Meeks Lumber in South Lake Tahoe) or at Aspen Hollow Nursery on Emerald Bay Road across from Evans restaurant. You can also get tickets at the League to Save Lake Tahoe office at the Y, or, if it is more convenient, send a check (made out to TASC) to Jerry Yeazell at PO Box 1685, Zephyr Cove, NV, 89448 and your ticket(s) will be mailed to you. Free admission for fundraiser volunteers. 530-401-1397.
2007 Sunset Idea House
August 24
Sunset Magazine and Tahoe Mountain Resorts present the 2007 Sunset Idea House incorporating the best of Lake Tahoe architecture and design. Located in Gray’s Crossing on a world-class golf course, the 6,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art home will showcase colors inspired by the Sierra and use of stone, recycled wood timbers, and contemporary mountain designs. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday until October 28. Sunset Magazine selected Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation (TTCF) Queen of Hearts Women’s Fund as the charity partner and has pledged $25,000 to the fund if the women arrange for volunteer docents for the tour. Four and a half hour volunteer shifts are open to the public. Docents get to see the home for free. Tour costs $15 or $10 for seniors on Fridays. Kids 6 to 12 are $5, and under 5 are free. 530-587-1776 or 1-800-786-7375.
The Emigrant Experience
September 23
Friend of the Truckee Library and Donner Memorial State Park Staff present a special evening at the Park, ‘ The Emigrant Experience.’ A panel of local writers, Don Hardesty, Frank Mullen, and Mark McLaughlin will discuss their books, research, and much more with California State Park Interpretive Specialist Gayle Green as moderator. Later, Mike Lathbury of Smokey’s Kitchen rustles up a chuck wagon dinner in the campground with bluegrass music provided by Sawmill Road. The evening culminates in a visit by John Sutter (portrayed by David Fenimore) describing early experiences with his fort and the days of the Gold Rush, joined by Donner Party member Margaret Breen (enacted by Doris Dwyer). A framed photograph of Donner Lake, donated by Carmel Gallery, will be auctioned. Tickets cost $45 ($40 by August 31) and are available at the Truckee Library, Bookshelf at Hooligan Rocks, Truckee Book & Bean, and Donner State Memorial Park. The evening supports our local library development and California State Parks. Donner Memorial State Park, 4 p.m., 530-587-9113.
