Check out the holiday happenings

The end of summer is here with the last big blowout of the season - Labor Day weekend.

Even if you're not camping with family and friends, or attending a Labor Day barbecue, there's still plenty to do on day trips in the region.

All aboard

This weekend celebrate the labor of our ancestors who ran the railroad at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. The museum and steam crew invite everyone Saturday-Monday to ride the historic train pulled by Virginia & Truckee Engine No. 25. Handicapped accessible, the train departs every 40 minutes from

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased using cash or check only (no credit cards accepted, just like in 1905). For more information, call the museum at 775-687-6953.

Labor Day Parade

Always good for a parade, Virginia City hosts its Labor Day Parade starting at noon Monday. The parade is smack in the middle of the historic mining town's main street. After the parade revelers can get a bite to eat, go window shopping or bar hopping.

Fireworks at the lake

South Shore's pyrotechnic Labor Day Weekend tradition will be Sunday. The 16-minute fireworks show starts at approximately 8:30 p.m. and will be synchronized to music from radio stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490.

The fireworks are visible throughout town for a projected crowd of 70,000 spectators with numerous vantage points including the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II paddlewheelers, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, and Regan, El Dorado and Nevada beaches.

Hearts of Gold

Fallon farmers say there will be plenty of cantaloupes - including the heirloom melon that gave the event its name - for this weekend's Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Festival,

The silver anniversary of the festival began Friday night and runs through Monday at the fairgrounds. It will include music, a variety of vendors and, of course, the juicy Hearts of Gold cantaloupe.

This year's festival also has a strong focus on kids' events including a deluxe obstacle course, a wet/dry slide, rock climbing wall, a buckin' bull, bounce hall, bungee jumping, dunk tank, teen dance and guitar hero contest. The festival also will feature the Littlest Cowboy/Cowgirl contest, horseshoe tournament,, arm wrestling championships, Elks beer garden and an invitational art exhibit for two divisions, youth (ages 10-17) and adult (18 & older).

Rib-roaring good time

And don't forget about the world famous Best in the West John Ascuaga's Nugget Rib Cook-Off this weekend in Sparks at Victorian Square.

The cook-off runs through Monday.

There are 24 rib vendors this year, and while a panel of judges picks the winners in best sauce, best appearance, best texture and best taste, those in attendance have a vote in the People's Choice category.