Reno’s first Riverwalk District Art Walk on Thursday, April 30, from 4-9 p.m. will feature art openings, fashion shows, jewelry designs, live music, museum entry discounts and a parade of vintage race cars throughout downtown Reno.

The Art Walk, presented by the Riverwalk Merchants Association, will follow the popular Wine Walk model where individuals can visit their favorite merchant to get a brochure listing all events and entertainment.

Art Walks are scheduled on the last Thursday of every month through October.

There are 40 merchants involved who will present one-of-a-kind art exhibits, author showcases, theater performances, live music and at the West Street Market, a display of vintage race cars from the field of more than 100 that will compete in the Reno Historic Races May 1-3 at the Reno-Fernley Raceway.

For more information on the Art Walk, visit www.renoriver.org or call 775-825-WALK (825-9255).

WAC tournament women’s play-in game

Originally uploaded by RenoTahoe

The Western Athletic Conference men’s and women’s 2009 basketball tournament is underway at the University of Nevada in Reno, with the University of Nevada men set to take the court Thursday night vs. San Jose State.

WAC 2009 tournament schedule:

Men’s basketball

• Thursday
  Noon: Boise State (4 seed) vs. New Mexico State (5)
  2:30 p.m.: Utah State (1) vs. Fresno State (9)
  6 p.m.: Nevada (2) vs. San Jose State (7)
  8:30 p.m.: Idaho (3) vs. Louisiana Tech (6)
• Friday
  Semifinals (TBD): 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Saturday
  Championship (TBD): 7 p.m.

* Hawaii eliminated during play-in game Tuesday

Women’s basketball

• Wednesday
  2:30 p.m.: Fresno State (1) vs. Hawaii (8)
  6 p.m.: Nevada (3) vs. Boise State (6)
  8:30 p.m.: Louisiana Tech (2) vs. New Mexico State (7)
• Friday
  Semifinals: noon and 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday
  Championship: 1 p.m.

* San Jose State eliminated during play-in game Tuesday; Idaho eliminated during overtime game Wednesday

For live stats, ticket and schedule information, log on to WACSports.com or call the University of Nevada’s Ticket Office at 775-348-PACK (7225).

We all need to get away now and then, so Reno-Tahoe is offering a dose of fun for our furloughed neighbors in California who might appreciate using the unexpected time off to get out of town.

Local hotel-resorts have gotten together to offer State of California workers on furlough an unprecedented buy-one-get-one-night “Extra Day Getaway” deal on hotel stays with a valid state employee identification card or paystub, and a valid photo ID.

So, if you book a night at participating properties, get another night free to extend your weekend or getaway.

Visitors who stay any Friday or Saturday you could get Thursday or Sunday free. Or stay any day Sunday through Thursday and receive the second day of equal or lesser value free (Friday and Saturday are not eligible for free nights).In addition to the free night stay, properties are also offering special “furlough relief offers” to California state employees.

To view getaway offers online, log on the CaliforniaFurlough.com.

With excitement of college bowl season passed, and the National Football League conference champs determined, it’s time to start thinking about the big game … the granddaddy of them all: The Super Bowl.

Whether or not you like to bet on the big game, Reno-Tahoe’s casino resorts treat it like an event, luring potential customers with big promotions, parties and great room rates.

There is perhaps no better excuse to find yourself in Reno-Tahoe, than to watch Pittsburgh and Arizona battle it out after the Biggest Little Tailgate Party. If you aren’t one of the lucky few who has a ticket to the big show in Tampa Bay on Feb. 1, the Biggest Little Tailgate Party is the next best thing.

The outdoor party, held on Virginia Street near the Silver Legacy Resort Casino (the event sponsor) in downtown Reno’s casino corridor, features a $1 million football toss where one lucky “fan” will win a chance to throw the ball for the $1 Million prize. Former professional football players will be in attendance mingling with partygoers. For the true athletes, a $5 Beer Pong Olympics offers a chance to win bragging rights with friends. The event also includes the 2008 Madden Xbox Challenge sponsored by Red Bull with a snowboard as the grand prize.

The giant tailgate party will include a “You Be The Judge” Chili Cook-off. Judge’s tasting ballots will be available for $5 and include 6-ounce tasters of chili from Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Eldorado Hotel Casino, Circus Circus, Harrah’s Reno, Cal Neva and more, as well as a raffle ticket for the $1 Million Football Toss. Individual 12-ounce bowls of chili will also be available for purchase at a cost of $3 each. Attendees can vote by purchasing a Tasting Pass and filling out the ballot for their favorite chili recipe.

Other highlights include: Live stage entertainment with the University of Nevada, Reno cheerleaders and mascot, a media challenge where media personalities will compete in a football throwing contest in front of a live audience, and a visit by Joe Cahn, the self-proclaimed “Commissioner of Tailgating.”

Admission is free, and tailgate spots can be purchased for just $50. Visit the events page at VisitRenoTahoe.com for more information on this and other Reno-Tahoe Super Bowl events, or call 1-800-215-7721.

Ski and board season is going strong in Reno-Tahoe, and we’re blogging about it at Ski and Board Reno-Tahoe, the region’s stop for snow sports news and events. Learn about deals, resort reviews and events and submit your own adventure online.

Planning a Reno-Tahoe ski getaway? Shop online for discounted packages.

Christmas is just a day away, and 2009 is on the horizon – perfect timing for that last-minute greeting for someone special on your list.

Check out the Reno-Tahoe Holiday Gingerbread Maker, and e-card personalized with Sierra Nevada winter images. Happy Holidays!

Snow is slated to fall in the mountains, but in Reno local disc golfers are getting pumped up for the “Grinch Classic Tournament” at “The Ranch” disc golf course at Rancho San Rafael Park.

The tournament is being hosted by the Reno Disc Golf Association. The tournament check-in is at 9:30 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Here’s a course map.

Interested in playing? E-mail Mike at RDGA@Charter.net. Winners of this casual event get cash and prizes – plus they get a round on Reno’s new course.





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Photographer Thomas Bachand has a unique take on the Tahoe environment: His photos have a dreamy quality, often taken with long exposures to capture movement in nature … colorful yet subtle.

Bachand’s work reflects Tahoe’s delicate balance, so it is fitting that his new book “Lake Tahoe, A Fragile Beauty” works from that perspective.

In addition to photos illustrating the lake’s insurmountable beauty – they range from “Donner Summit Bridge” to handsome, simplistic shots like “Shadow light upon the Truckee Marsh” – Bachand writes of the dangers of development and climate change to this natural wonder. Those who know Tahoe’s history have witnessed the tense decades-long struggle to balance development with environmental preservation.

The book includes an introduction by preeminent Tahoe research scientist Dr. Charles Goldman, a poem by former U.S. Poet Laureate and 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Hass, and historical content by literary icon Mark Twain and 19th Century photographer Carleton Watkins.

“Lake Tahoe, A Fragile Beauty” is a must for any Lake Tahoe enthusiast’s bookshelf. Buy the book from Bachand’s Web site and check out more of his amazing photography.

- Submitted by Jessica Glasgow

Reno’s Rink on the River recently started service, just in time for visitors looking for some High Sierra holiday spirit.

The rink is open to the public and is located at the Mapes Plaza in downtown Reno, right along the resort-casino corridor and adjacent to the Reno Christmas tree.

Skate rentals are available and there is plenty of hot chocolate to keep warm between laps.

View a larger map of the Rink on the River

Firearms, Wild West memorabilia and antique enthusiasts will pour into Reno on Nov. 21-23 for the Big Reno Show at the Grand Sierra Resort, a celebration of firearms spanning the ages from antique to modern.

With 1 ½ acres of exhibitor space, it is one of the biggest shows in the west. Beyond the guns – including everything from rifles and pistols to shotguns – vendors will be selling knives, antiques, books, Native American artifacts, clothing and accessories. Shooters can also get a great deal on bulk ammo.

The Big Reno Show is a great Reno tradition, so come check it out. For more information on what to do in Reno-Tahoe while you’re here, check out www.visitrenotahoe.com.