Summerlin park again hosts ice cream fest

     Ice cream lovers from throughout the valley are awaiting the 10th annual All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream festival that runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Trails Park, 1910 Spring Gate Lane, Sept. 25.
      The ice cream festival will benefit Nevada Ballet Theatre, whose professional company and teaching academy is in a new seven-studio facility in Summerlin.
      The event will feature all-you-can-eat cones, sundaes and root beer floats with ice cream provided by Vons at Trails Village Center in Summerlin. In addition to ice cream, festivalgoers will enjoy entertainment from the students and professionals of Nevada Ballet Theatre; free balloons; temporary tattoos; a Bounce House; clowns and kids characters, including the Teletubbies and Barney; and musical entertainment by KMZQ-FM 100.5, which will be broadcasting live from the festival.
      Ice cream and all activities are included in admission, which is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children older than 5. Kids under 5 are free.
      Tickets may be purchased at the gate, or from Nevada Ballet Theatre at 1661 Inner Circle Drive. For more information, call the ballet at 243-2623.
     
     Zoo celebrates Halloween, Nevada Day
     
      In celebration of Halloween and Nevada Day Oct. 31, all trick-or-treaters 2-12 arriving in costume or makeup will be admitted free of charge with a paying adult throughout the day.
      Nevada's favorite mountain lion, Cougie, celebrates his 11th birthday at the zoo on Oct. 31. He was rescued as a 1-month-old cub in the mountains of northern Nevada 11 years ago. He was near death from starvation when he was found.
      There will be refreshments, special events and wildlife presentations throughout the day.
      The Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, 1775 N. Rancho Drive, is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 647-4685. Adults: $5.95; Children 2-12: $3.95; Children under 2 and members are free.