roots

Trees are dropping leaves or needles. Leaves may be turning brown. Some are showing fall colors. What’s going on with trees?

The days are getting shorter, and many plant processes are triggered by day-length. However, there may be stress issues at work as well.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

Professional dirt bike racer Mike Rush will return to Carson City for the third annual Fuji Park Flat Track on Saturday.
The 31-year-old races has won the past two years and is looking for his third charm this weekend.

RENO, NV – At Nevada Field Day on Sept. 8, visitors will be treated to a variety of free activities and giveaways, and even some tasty food samples.

As part of this year’s activities, nationally acclaimed local food advocate Mark Estee will present a cooking demonstration at 10 a.m. Estee has been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and in Esquire Magazine.

I’m worried about my green ash trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). They have always been such hardy trees, tolerant of drought, cold, sun, wind and alkalinity. They have needed little fertilizer or care and, in the past, always seemed to thrive.

The Brewery Arts Center presents Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Rambers Saturday night, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. as part of the Levitt AMP Carson City free music series presented by The Change Companies.

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

Have you seen a tomato with a blackened bottom and wondered what it was? This unsightly condition is called blossom end rot.

It affects not only tomatoes, but also peppers, eggplants, squash, cucumbers, melons and watermelons.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Returning for its third year, more than 250 dirt bikes will roar and race in south Carson City with riders chasing their share of a $10,000 purse at the Fuji Park Flat Track dirt bike races on Saturday, August 25 at Fuji Park.

Paul Dominique Laxalt, a former Nevada Governor, United States Senator, Lieutenant Governor and District Attorney, and one of former President Ronald Reagan’s closest friends in politics, died at a healthcare facility in Northern Virginia on Monday. He was 96.

It was a throwback night for a certain generation. In front of a diverse crowd of several thousand fans at Hard Rock Lake Tahoe’s outdoor arena, movie star, producer, director and basketball league owner Ice Cube returned to his musical roots with the energy that earned him worldwide stature.

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

More than 6,000 vehicles will call the streets of Northern Nevada home for the 32nd Annual Hot August Nights festival. The 10-day celebration commences in the historic mining town of Virginia City this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3-4.

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

Ready for a good time? The Carson City Fair runs all day and culminates with a special concert in the arena starring Journey Unlimited. Car lovers are in for a treat: you can head down to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night, or roll into the Max Casino to get registered for the 33rd annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The Trippin King Snakes take the stage in McFadden Plaza for a free all-ages show. Break a leg to the kids of Youth Theater Carson City; they open their production of ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie’ at the Community Center this evening.

RENO — More than 6,000 vehicles will call the streets of Northern Nevada home for the 32nd Annual Hot August Nights festival. The week-long celebration commences in the historic mining town of Virginia City, Nev. on Friday, Aug. 3 to Saturday, Aug. 4. Then it's down the mountainside to the Main Event in Reno-Sparks starting Sunday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018.

Our poor trees, shrubs and other plants are stuck in place, "standing" in scorching sun and dealing with desiccating winds and high temperatures. Humidity is low and there’s little chance of a significant rain event until the fall.

It’s up to us to provide what our plants need to survive the heat.

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

As we head into the weekend, you’ll find a fair number of ways to get the party started. Happy Anniversary to Living the Good Life; they will be celebrating four years of good times with Deception rocking their outdoor stage. For something all ages, head down to McFadden Plaza for live music by Just for Fun. For those who prefer a spot on the stage, check out Open Mic night at A to Zen or karaoke at Whiskey Tavern. No membership is necessary for tonight’s Race for Life with Carson City BMX; all ages are welcome, just don’t forget your helmet.

Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

SATURDAY:

Triskaidekaphobia: one of those fun words that I very rarely get the opportunity to use. The fear of the number 13 may be a real thing, but you’ll have no reason to fear boredom on this Friday the 13th. This month’s TRIAD program will explain the various services offered by the Nevada Humane Society, many of them available a low cost. Break a leg to those talented members of our community taking the stage tonight: Senior Follies begins its three-show run this evening.

SILVER CITY, Nev. — Bring your own vase and create beautiful floral arrangements with wildflowers you’ve collected, or flowers from your own garden, with expert tips from Floral Designer Lynnette Edmondson. No flowers? Lynnette can bring some for you.

SILVER CITY, Nev. — United Way's annual "Tune into Kids" Fun Fair for preschoolers and their parents takes place Tuesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Silver City town park, next to the Silver City School House/community center at 385 High Street. Silver City is located on the Comstock, 3 miles from Virginia City and 12 miles from Carson City.