Master plans to hold fall events

With the end of summer and the transition into the season of change upon us, master-planned communities' fall festivals help harvest the fun and excitement of summer with cooler weather.

"We've found that events are a great way to bring people together for memorable experiences, provide opportunities to meet new friends and neighbors, support those less fortunate, and showcase the great amenities and lifestyles Mountain's Edge and Providence offer," said Deonna Stocker, manager of information center operations for Mountain's Edge and Providence master-planned communities in Las Vegas. "They're a win-win for our residents, prospective buyers, builders and nonprofit organizations."

Mountain's Edge hosts the Family, Fur & Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at Exploration Park, which is open to the public and their leashed pets. The ninth annual festival features hands-on activities to introduce children to pets, pet adoption stations, educational booths, crafts and prizes.

As part of the festival, the Halloween Pet Costume Contest features several judged categories featuring pets and their human friends at a cost of $3 per entry. The event benefits animal shelters and rescues in Southern Nevada. More information can be found at www.familyfurandfun.com.

Providence sweetens up fall with its annual Ice Cream Sunday. This year, the Sept. 27 event cohosted by Providence, Sunny 106.5 and Meadow Gold will coincide with the grand opening of Huckleberry Park, at 10325 Farm Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Sunday will include free sundaes, ice cream eating contests, bounce houses, a petting zoo and a special dedication to former Providence resident Igor Soldo, a Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer who was shot and killed, along with officer Alyn Beck, at CiCi's Pizza last year.

Organizers of Ice Cream Sunday have asked for donations of new or gently used books for Spread the Word Nevada, a nonprofit that promotes literacy.

"By fostering a relationship with Spread the Word Nevada, we've found a perfect partner and social cause that, first and foremost, helps children develop a lifelong passion for learning, and at the same time draws a parallel to Providence's own theme of celebrating Americana through the literary legacy of the country's greatest writers," said Jenna Bell, lifestyle director of the Providence Master Homeowners Association.

For more information about the event, visit www.providencelv.com

Summerlin's Festival of Arts will showcase more than 100 artists and craftsmen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 in Downtown Summerlin at 1980 Festival Plaza Drive.

"The newly reimagined Summerlin Festival of Arts returns with the same quality, upscale original artwork including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and handcrafted pieces made from wood, glass and metal," the organization touts.

Attendees can also expect entertainment from Clint Holmes, Zarkana performers, tap-dancing duo Sean and John of ABSINTHE fame, Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre Competition Team, Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Mariachi Studies, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

And don't miss UNLV's DRC-HUBO Metal Rebel robot demonstration. Organizers are asking for canned food to support HomeAid Southern Nevada.

And the city of Henderson is not to be left out. Inspirada will host the Henderson Stroll 'n Roll from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Nov. 14.

By restricting vehicle traffic along Via Firenze between Capriola Park and Aventura Park and opening the area to bicycles, skates, skateboards and pedestrians, the street fair aims to form a sense of community and increase awareness about health and fitness.

Don't miss the yoga, tai chi, Zumba and CrossFit mini classes, bike maintainance, dance demonstrations, hamster balls for children, obstacle course, bounce house and bike swap.

The entertainment doesn't stop at the Strip in Clark County, hit the streets of one of the local master-planned communities for festivals to fall for.