CERCA CALENDAR
It's festival time in the high desert, and the next month offers a particularly rich menu for the Nevada traveler. Pick an event for your particular taste.
Wednesday, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Lowell Observatory Birthday. Kevin Schindler, Lowell outreach manager, will give an indoor presentation titled, "The 1894 Lowell Expedition and the Founding of Lowell Observatory," 10 a.m., noon. and 2 p.m. Regular tours and Space Theater programs also offered. (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu.
Saturday and June 21, Zion National Park, Utah: Zion Narrows Service Projects. Besides short service project, a seven-mile hike will include discussing the geology, plants and wildlife of the area. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.
June 1, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Wool Festival. See how sheep, goat and alpacas are sheared, plus demonstrations in wool spinning, weaving and felting. Pioneer Museum, (928) 774-6272, www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
June 1, Lake Tahoe: America's Most Beautiful Bike Race. Events include a 35-mile fun ride, 72-mile ride around the lake and a 100-mile ride. (800) 565-2704, www.bikethewest.com.
June 6-7, Reno: Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure. This challenging relay travels along shores of Lake Tahoe then into the high desert, covering 178 miles. Course is divided into 36 legs of various lengths and difficulties. Each runner completes three legs over two days. (775) 825-3399, www.renotahoeodyssey.com.
June 7, Zion National Park, Utah: Rim to Floor. Learn about Zion's geology, biology and botany on a guided hike from the East Rim down through Echo Canyon, finishing up at Weeping Rock. 10-miles, strenuous. Reservations needed. Zion Canon Field Institute, (800) 635-3959, www.zionpark.org.
June 7-8, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: Big Bear Pirate Faire. Search for buried treasure, sail on a pirate ship and watch entertainment on four different stages. Grog and vittles. John's Harbor in Fawnskin will be transformed into a 17th-Century buccaneer village. (800) 424-4232, www.bigbear.com.
June 8, Gardnerville: National Trails Day Event. Volunteers will help build trails. Tools and hard hats provided. Guided nature hikes. Organized by Carson Valley Trails Association. (775) 265-7264, www.americanhiking.org.
June 9-15, Springdale, Utah: Zion Canyon Art and Flute Festival. A weekend of music and art within one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Various venues with evening concerts at Tanner Amphitheater. (435) 772-3434, www.zioncanyonartandflutefestival.com.
June 12-15, Gardnerville: Carson Valley Days. Now in it's 98th year, event includes tractor pulls, tug-o-war competitions, arm wrestling, carnival, parade, live music and food. (775) 790-0114, www.carsonvalley2030.org.
June 13-15, Austin: Gridley Days. Three days of fun include flour sack race, auction, parade, entertainment, street dance and town barbecue. (775) 964-2200, www.austinnevada.com.
June 13-15, Carson City: Carson City Rendezvous. Mountain man and Civil War encampments, camel rides, American Indian village, Pueblo de Nevada, fiddle contest. Food court, children's activities and entertainment. www.eventsnevada.com.
June 13-15, Death Valley National Park, Calif.: Scotty's Castle Organ Concert. Concert organist Donna Parker will play the world-famous pipe organ in the music room. Reservations necessary, 7 p.m. Death Valley Natural History Association, (760) 786-2146, www.dvnha.org.
June 13-15, Victorville, Calif.: Huck Finn's Jubilee at Mojave Narrows Regional Park. Emulate antics of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, including whitewashing fence, building rafts, climbing greased poles. Concerts by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dan Tyminski Band, National Bluegrass Playoffs and other acts. (951) 341-8080 or www.huckfinn.com.
June 14, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Elden Pueblo Public Day. The Elden Pueblo ruins will be open to tour, take part in an excavation and artifact analysis. Atlatl and rabbit stick throw. Highway 89 at Townsend-Winona. (928) 527-3475, www.flagstaffarizona.org.
June 14, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Navajo Rug Auction at Cocino Center of the Arts, 5 p.m., preceded by viewing of rugs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Supports Flagstaff Cultural Partners and Museum of Northern Arizona. (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.
June 14-Aug. 9, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Many Colored Weaves, exhibition of fine Navajo rugs from collection of Museum of Northern Arizona, at Cocino Center for the Arts. (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.
June 15, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Father's Day Star Fest at Lowell Observatory. Fathers are free for this evening program featuring Lowell docent Howard Israel, who will present "We're all Made of Stardust." Numerous outdoor telescopes will be set up for viewing. (928) 233-3211, www.lowell.edu.
June 17, Zion National Park, Utah: Zion by Moonlight. Join a naturalist and learn about bats, ringtails, scorpions and other wildlife that come out at night. Reservations required. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.
June 19-Aug. 30: Cedar City, Utah: Utah Shakespearean Festival. Plays this season include "Othello," "The Taming of the Shrew," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The School for Wives." Matinees and evening performances, dark Sundays. (800) 752-9849, www.bard.org.
June 19-28, Reno: Reno Rodeo. This 89th installment of what is claimed to be "Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West," where participants come from around the world. There will also be a parade, carnival, and plenty of children's activities. (775) 329-3877, www.renorodeo.com.
June 21-July 20, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah: Wildflower Festival. At peak of wildflower season, take part in guided hikes, workshops on edible plants and kid's scavenger hunts. (435) 586-9451, www.nps.gov/cebr.
June 26-29, Cedar City, Utah: Groovefest American Music Festival. Musicians from throughout the country perform at his four-day festival dedicated to American roots music. Workshops and seminars. Cedar City Main Street Park and other venues. (435) 867-9800, www.groovefestutah.com.
To submit information for Cerca Country Calendar, contact Deborah Wall at deborabus@aol.com.
