Start planning now: 5 cool events coming up

Summer may be winding down, but there are still lots of fun activities to ease the way into fall and the school year. From camel races to the state fair, barbershop singers and a wine event for a good cause, check out our list of some not-to-miss special events. For more events in our area, go to nevadaappeal.com/calendar.

VIRGINIA CITY CAMEL RACES

The 50th annual Virginia City International Camel Races featuring camel, ostrich and emu races are coming to Virginia City Sept. 11-13.

Tickets are $10; VIP tickets are $40; family packs are $25; children, seniors and military are $8. Gates open at 1 p.m. and races begin at 1:30 p.m. all three days.

The fun will begin Thursday evening at 6 p.m. with the traditional Jockey Party at the Red Dog Saloon at 76 North C St. Come meet the brave souls who race the camels!

Friday, Sept. 11, will feature the Media Races, where members of local and out-of-town media will race against one another for bragging rights.

Saturday, Sept. 12, the festivities will begin at noon with a parade down C Street, featuring the camels, floats, marchers, hot rods, llamas, and equestrian teams. The races will begin after a grand opening ceremony celebrating the 50th year of camel races in Virginia City.

A children's fun zone will include a bounce house, fast draw competition (ages 12 and up), pony and camel rides.

Saturday evening folks can get dressed up in their best for the Camel Hump Ball with a silent auction at the Old Freight Depot on E St, put on by the International Order of Camel Jockeys. Proceeds benefit the Eagle Valley Children's Home in Carson City. Free admission.

There will be live music all over town and fun for the whole family.

Sunday, Sept. 13, the championship races will be held.

For information, call the visitor center (775) 847-4386 or 1-800-718-7587 or visit online www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.

CHORUS OF THE COMSTOCK CONCERT

The Chorus of the Comstock of Carson City, a 36-member male a cappella singing group, will hold its annual barbershop quartet concert "Shine On Harvest Moon" on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Carson City Community Center.

In addition to championship quartets "The Summit" from Albuquerque, N.M., and "Tahoe Blue" from Reno, there will be the "Bar BQ Boys," a local bluegrass band, and Milus Scruggs on ragtime piano.

The matinee performance will begin at 2 p.m. and the evening show will start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 and $15, and can be purchased at Comma Coffee, online at http://www.comstockchorus.org or call 887-1854.

In addition to providing the community with quality entertainment and Singing Valentines, the Chorus of the Comstock has a highly successful "Youth In Harmony" program, promoting barbershop singing in local high schools and colleges. High school and middle school boys can also attend a weekend "Youth Harmony Camp" Sept. 25-27 at Pollock Pines, Calif.

The chorus is sponsoring a day-long vocal training workshop on Saturday, Aug. 29. The workshop is open to the public. Contact Rook Wetzel at rookwetzel@yahoo.com for information and reservations.

The chorus encourages men who enjoy singing and have the ability to harmonize to visit any Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Carson City Senior Center. Go to http://www.comstockchorus.org for additional information.

GREEN LIVING FAIR

Saturday, Sept 12 is the third annual Green Living Festival at Lampe Park in downtown Gardnerville, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The fair will feature exhibitor booths showcasing products and services related to green building, energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainable living, landscaping/gardening, and locally produced products. It will also have workshops featuring new concepts and innovative technologies, strategic tools and green solutions for individuals and the community.

There will be demonstrations, live music and family activities such as canning fresh vegetables and soap making. Admission and parking are free. There will also be a recycling drop off for used fluorescent bulbs, batteries (non-vehicle) and household electronics (no TV's or any exposed electronics)

For more details visit www.cvsustainables.org

WINE & FRIENDS AT PIPER'S OPERA HOUSE

Piper's Opera House presents "An Evening of Wine & Friends" from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Piper's

Old Corner Bar at Piper's Opera House on the corner of B and Union streets

in Virginia City.

Tickets are $25, and proceeds will benefit the ongoing restoration of and

further events at Piper's Opera House.

The the gala includes wines to sample, hors d'oeuvres, and many door prizes. A

commemorative wine glass is included in the cost of the benefit.

Attendance is limited to 100 participants, so call Piper's Opera House soon

to reserve tickets at 775-847-0433, or toll free at 866-422-1956.

NEVADA STATE FAIR

And finally, the Nevada State Fair kicks off tomorrow at the Livestock Events Center in Reno. It runs through Sunday. This year the Nevada State Fair has new events, new entertainment, more hands-on experiences for kids, also the carnival will return with many new and exciting rides. Call 775-688-5767 or go to www.nvstatefair.com.