Carson, etc.

The owner of Locals Barbecue Co. said Thursday that the Food Network's program "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" contacted him last month and said they want to feature him on the wildly popular cable program that visits restaurants across the nation.

Ralph Swaggler said he expects the episode to be filmed in the beginning of 2009 at his south Carson City business in the Eagle Station shopping center on Highway 395.

For more information on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives

The program regularly airs Mondays at 10p.m./9c, Fridays at 9p.m./8c and Sundays at 3p.m./2c.

RE/MAX Realty will launch a hot air balloon over the skies of Carson City on Wednesday to commemorate the first flight of a RE/MAX balloon in 1978.

"It's an excellent opportunity to celebrate our company's heritage," said Stephen Lincoln, Realtor with RE/MAX in Carson City. "The RE/MAX brand, including the balloon, is a big part of what's made our business so successful " it's a symbol of our commitment to rise above the crowd and provide the most professional real estate services to our clients in the Reno, Sparks, Carson City, & Gardnerville area."

This event will be held in conjunction with RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon flights at locations around the world. In Capetown, the South African flag will fly from a balloon, while providing adventurous flights for the "reach for a dream" charity. In Canada, there will be eight RE/MAX balloons taking to the air at various locations across the country.

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Fleet is one of the largest in the world, with more than 100 balloons located on six continents. The distinctive red, white and blue balloon, which represents the international real estate network, has become one of the most recognized corporate images in the world.