Briefly

Carson City

Best-selling author holds book signing

Author Dale Brown will be doing a book signing 1 p.m. today at Costco, 700 Old Clear Creek Road. He will be signing his latest best-selling novel "Strike Force" published this May by William Morrow.

Brown, a former U.S. Air Force captain, has had 15 New York Times best-sellers. He lives in the Lake Tahoe area. "Strike Force" is right from the headlines and deals with an elite team of U.S. forces training rogue elements within Iran to topple the current theocracy.

Career in music workshop at BAC

With the support of the Carson City Arts and Culture Coalition, the Brewery Arts Center honors members and entices new members with free concerts and a workshop. The event workshop focuses on career building through writing and playing your own music, and will begin 1 p.m. today at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. Call 883-1976.

Triathlon for kids held in Mills Park

The Carson City Aquatic Facility will host its fourth annual Capital City Kid's Triathlon 8 a.m.-noon today for youths ages 4-14. The race consists of swimming, biking and running. All activities take place within the Aquatic Facility and Mills Park. Pre-registration is recommended. The cost is $15 for race-day entries. Call 887-2242.

Learn to grow lemons at seminar

Come to Greenhouse Garden Center at 9 a.m. today and learn how to grow lemons and other citrus. The seminar is free. Call 882-8600.

Remote Control Club hosts event

The High Sierra Remote Control Club will sponsor an Open House and Member's Memorial Fly-In from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today at the Pony Express Model Airpark. Admission is free.

Free hot dogs and sodas, lots of demonstration flights, static display of model aircraft, open flying for AMA and HSRCC members, and instructor-assisted dual-control flight for anyone interested in this sport.

The Pony Express Model Airpark is located off Flint Road near the Carson City landfill.

Study ancient markings at museum

History and outdoor lovers can work with archaeologists and study ancient markings during two training sessions held by the Nevada Rock Art Foundation 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today and Sunday at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St. The sessions are free and open to foundation members. Nonmembers can join at the site. Individual membership is $30 per year.

Pre-registration for the workshops is required. Call 315-5497. For information, visit www.nevadarockart.org.

Lyon County

Horsemen hold Moonlight ride

There will be a Moonlight Ride/Drive and Potluck Dinner at 11225 Silver Lane, Hamilton's Arena, Stagecoach. The potluck is at 7 tonight and the ride/drive begins at 8:30 p.m. This is for members only; memberships are available the day of ride. Call 629-0807, or visit www.hdhorsemen. org. Ride fee is instant mashed potatoes.

Douglas County

Get tickets for today's pond tour

The Northern Nevada Pond Club is sponsoring its 10th annual Pond Tour today. Tickets are $10 per person; $15 per couple. Tickets will be available at: Oasis Water Gardens in Reno; Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City; Northern Nevada Nursery in Minden; Dayton Valley Floral and Nursery in Dayton; and Carson Valley Garden & Ranch Center in Gardnerville. The self-guided tour begins at 9 a.m. with the Carson City ponds and the moves to Douglas County at noon. Exact address and a map will be provided with tickets.

Quidditch match takes flight

Celebrate Harry Potter's new book at the Minden Branch of the Douglas County Public Library at 4 p.m. today. "Gryffindor House" and "Slytherin House" will take part in a Quidditch tournament, wear a costume, play games, and have fun. Sodas and treats will be provided. Grades 6 through 12 are welcome to attend. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library. The library is at 1625 Library Lane. To register, call the library at 782-9841.

Lake Tahoe

Celebrate Living History Day

Enjoy the elegant lakefront lifestyle of Old Tahoe from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., as Sugar Pine Point State Park celebrates its 11th Living History Day with an open house at the Ehrman Mansion. Tour the century-old mansion, walk the 2,000-acre estate, sunbathe and swim on its sandy beach, and admire antique cars and boats. There'll be special fun for children. All events and parking free. Stay all day and bring food or buy lunch for about $5.

Reno

Animal Ark howling fun after dark

Wolves and coyotes howling, big cats stalking in the night. It's Ark after Dark and the predators are in their element. The event takes place at Animal Ark from 8-10 p.m. today. Admission is limited. Call for reservations, 970-3111.

Little Waldorf's Brewfest is today

Red's Little Waldorf Saloon, 1661 N. Virginia St., Reno, today hosts its inaugural Brewfest from 1-5 p.m. The Little Waldorf brings a selection of beer from around the world. Tasting is $20 per person for a commemorative tasting glass and 10, 7-ounce samples. Proceeds benefit Peavine Elementary Schools' PTA.

Alpine County

Bike race features fastest in the region

Some of the fastest bicycle racers in the region will vie today for a championship title in the Diamond Valley Road Race beginning at 8 a.m. in Woodfords, Calif. Sponsored by the Alta Alpina Cycling Club, this is part of the two-day Masters District Road Championships. Visit www.altaalpina.org, call Steve Thomsen at (775) 745-6311, or e-mail steve@ryderhomes.com.

Bear Valley Music Festival opens

The 39th annual Bear Valley Music Festival opens today with country music singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash.

Jazz, opera, classical, pop and show tunes are also on the agenda. The festival is held in Bear Valley village, east of Angels Camp and Murphys, on the Highway 4 approach to Ebbetts Pass. Events through Aug. 12.

Tickets are available at www.bearvalleymusic.org or (800)458-1618.