Dayton area briefs

Carson City

Driver's course offered

A required driver education course for teens age 15 and older will be offered at Western Nevada College's Carson City campus in multiple sessions over the summer. Sessions will meet 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Cost is $105. Early fall semester driver education classes will also be offered, August 4-7 and August 11-14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fall semester course sessions cost $110.

To register for the non-credit class, fill out the online WNC application at www.wnc.edu/academics/continuing_education/drivereducation/ and then print out and mail or fax the Driver Education Registration Form to WNC Admissions, 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703.

Carson-Virginia City Railfest set

Ride the newly restored section of the Virginia and Truckee Railway during the Virginia City/Carson City Railfest Aug. 16-17.

The event kicks off Aug. 16 at the V&T station on F Street in Virginia City when Engine No. 29, a 1916 steam engine, will pull riders on a five-mile, 35-minute trip on the historic V&T to Gold Hill, an old-time mining town, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At sunset, the V&T wine train, hosted by the Virginia City Ramada Inn, takes visitors on a narrated train ride to American Flat, a new section of track completed by the commission. The ride includes hors d'oeuvres, wine and music.

The train departs from the F Street Station at 7 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per couple (adults only). For information, call 847-4FUN or 847-4484.

On Aug. 17, Railfest moves to the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. At 10 a.m. the old No. 8 locomotive does a "Steam Up" around the museum tracks. Enjoy rides on an authentic steam train from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, and $3 for children ages 6-11.

The museum will host "Eastern Fare Meets Western Trains," a dinner and lecture from 5:30-8:30 p.m., as part of Railway Reflections, a major international railroad art exposition.

Carson City's Bamboo Gardens will serve appetizers and entrees in the museum, followed by a slideshow presentation of the Chinese contribution to the V&T.

Tickets are $25 for the evening's festivities.

Call 687-7410 for more details.

Dayton

Melodrama to benefit railway

"The Perils of Pusher or Building the V&T Railroad" will be performed at the Odeon Hall above Chuck's Old West Grill at 65 Pike St. at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and again at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 3 at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City.

Tickets are $10.

The play is part of the Railway Reflections International Art Expo and will benefit the V&T Railway reconstruction.

Reservations on a first-call basis and can be made by calling 246-9622.

Silver City

Fireman's Ball planned for Saturday

The first Fireman's Ball since the fire that destroyed the Silver City Schoolhouse Community Center will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday in Silver City.

The 2008 Fireman's Ball Fundraiser & Music Festival will benefit the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department.

The event will include live music, food, dancing, vendors, tie-dyed memorabilia and fun in the park. Performing will be Michelle Lundeen "the Queen of Steam" with Blues Streak all the way from San Diego, and local favorites Red Rose, Trippin' Buddhas, the Downwinders, and special guests starting at 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

For more information and directions go to www.silvercityfiredepartment.org.

Virginia City

Vendors sought for Camel Races

The 49th annual Virginia City International Camel Races will be Sept. 5-7 organizers are looking for vendors and sponsors.

The annual event is one of Virginia City's largest, bringing thousands of people to the Comstock each year.

Call 847-7008 for a booth or sponsorship information.

St. Mary's to feature new artist

An art opening for artist Ron Rash, and the grand opening of Silverland: An Emerging Artist Gallery in Virginia City, will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at St. Mary's Art Center, 55 North R St.

After a sizable federal historic building grant to remodel the building, the top floor will be opened as an emerging artist gallery called Silverland.

This non-profit gallery will exhibit new and emerging artists from west of the Rockies as well as host exciting public programs including movies on the front lawn.

The inaugural artist will be local favorite Ron Rash.

For more information, call Leah Ruby at 762-7196 or 786-5324, or e-mail silverlandart@gmail.com.