CERCA CALENDAR
When temperatures hit three digits in the Las Vegas Valley, the energetic traveler thinks of exploring the higher and more northerly points of Cerca Country. See if you'd care to join them at some of these events.
Through Aug. 5, Carson City: Interwoven: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers. An exhibition featuring fine woven and hand-crafted baskets and vessels made by living artists from Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra. Nevada State Museum. (775) 687-8323, www.dmla.clan.nv.
Friday, Saturday and July 1, Elko: National Basque Festival features traditional Basque dance, music, food and Old Country games such as handball, weightlifting and wood chopping. The festival kicks off with "Running From the Bulls" Friday night, Elko Basque Club and other venues. (800) 428-7143, www.elkobasque.com.
Friday through July 4, Prescott, Ariz.: Prescott Frontier Days, World's Oldest Rodeo. City's biggest event of the year includes rodeo performances, parade, fireworks, fine arts and crafts fair, 10K and 2-mile fun run, live entertainment. (866) 406-6336, www.worldsoldestrodeo.com.
Saturday and July 1, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Independence Day Festival. Living history demonstrations by Civil War artillery and mountain men. Learn traditional skills including blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning and weaving, Pioneer Museum. (928) 774-6272, www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
Saturday and July 1, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture. Hopis gather to sell wares at more than 50 booths and to show their skilled techniques in many arts. Storytelling, music, dancing and American Indian food. Now in its 74th year. Museum of Northern Arizona, (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.
Saturday and July 4, Laughlin: Rockets over the River. A spectacular 20-minute fireworks display launched over the Colorado River and choreographed to music. (702) 298-2214, www.laughlinchamber.com.
Saturday through Aug. 5, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: Old Miners' Days. Events include a chili cook-off, Miss Clementine Pageant and Old West Fashion Show, Loggers' Jubilee, children's games and parades. (909) 866-4607, www.oldminers.org.
July 1-31, Reno: Artown. This festival features more than 300 events at close to 100 venues. Artists from around the world will showcase talents in the visual, performing arts and the humanities. (775) 322-1538, www.renoisartown.com.
July 1-22, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah: Cedar Breaks Wildflower Festival. Visitors can participate in ranger-led hikes, learning about wildflowers and how to identify them. (435) 586-9451, www.nps.gov/cebr.
July 4, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: Big Bear Fireworks Show. Largest 4th of July fireworks display in Southern California and can be viewed from anywhere along the lake and most of the town. (909) 866-4607, www.bigbearevents.com.
July 7, Zion National Park, Utah: Life Zones II: Zion to Cedar Breaks. Join a botanist on short walks within different plant communities in Zion and the surrounding area. The group will travel from Kolob Canyons, Cedar Breaks and Brian Head by vehicle. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.
July 11, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah: Wildflower photography. Join a botanist and photographer during peak wildflower season. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.
July 12-14, Boulder, Utah: Boulder Heritage Festival. This is a celebration of the community's arts, crafts, music and history. The festival takes place at the Utah State Anasazi Museum and Park, where the first known inhabitants of the area lived. (435) 335-7422. www.boulderutah.com.
July 19-Aug. 11, Cedar City, Utah: The Neil Simon Festival. This summer the plays are "Plaza Suite," "The Odd Couple" (female version) and "The Prisoner of Second Avenue." Tuesday through Saturday matinee and evening performances. Cedar City Heritage Theater, (435) 327-8673. www.simonfest.org.
July 21, Cathedral Gorge State Park: Weather patterns. This night program will teach basic cloud types and what you can learn from them. Campground Amphitheater. (775) 684-2770. www.parks.nv.gov.
July 21, Bryce Canyon, Utah: Bryce Canyon 1/2 Marathon and 5K Run. The marathon travels from Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon to National Scenic Byway 12, travels through Tropic and ends in Cannonville. The 5K starts and finishes in Cannonville. (800) 468-8600, www.rubysinn.com.
July 28, Sparks: Paddle, Pedal, Patter Kids' Triathlon. Children age 12 and under are introduced to the sport of triathlon with kayaking, swimming, biking and running courses. Sparks Marina Park. (775) 353-2385, www.visitreno.com.
July 30-31, Reno: Hell's Kitchen Dance with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Talented dancers join the legendary Baryshnikov for two nights of dance. Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. (775) 686-6610, www.pioneercenter.com.
Aug. 3-12, Reno and Sparks: Hot August Nights. Relive the '50s and '60s when cars and rock 'n' roll ruled. Some 5,500 classy rides from 36 states are registered for this event. Controlled cruises, show 'n' shines, live entertainment and food. (775) 356-1956, www.hotaugustnights.net.
