Lyon County fair and rodeo opens Thursday

The Lyon County Fair & Rodeo is Saturday through Aug. 17 in Yerington at the Lyon County Fairgrounds.

Pacific Coast Shows is scheduled to provide carnival entertainment for the third year. Billed as a "full-service carnival," the company is based in Springville, Calif., and has been the carnival vendor for the Nevada State Fair, among others.

The carnival will open at 4 p.m. Thursday with a number of kiddie rides, old-time country fair favorites and rides for the more daring called "spectaculars," such as the Orbiter, aka the Barfitron.

Instead of its annual appreciation dinner before the fair, country music recording artist Ty England will perform for the honorees.

There will be a Demolition Derby on the final day. Sponsored by the Yerington Volunteer Fire Department, the event sells out every year.

It entails vehicles trying to disable others without hitting them on the driver's side or head-on. All drivers must stop driving if a fire starts in any car in the arena.

After that in Yerington is the 11th Annual Spirit of Wovoka Days Powwow Aug. 22, 23, 24.

There is no admission, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The event will feature American Indian dancing, arts and crafts, and a Miss Spirit of Wovoka Princess Crowning.

Call 463-5417 or go to www.lyoncountyfair.com for information.