Crazy about cars? Love rock 'n' roll? If the answers are yes, consider attending Hot August Nights (August 8-14 in 2011). That is, if you're willing to make lots of choices. For during its seven-day celebration of America's love affair with cars, HAN will include about two hundred car-centered events at various venues throughout Reno and its neighboring city, Sparks.
So Much to Do, So Little Time
Even the most active participants in Hot August Nights (August 8 - 14) can't expect to sample all its sights, sounds and related activities. So choices have to be made. On Opening Day, for example, there's a show-n-shine at the Circus Circus parking lot, the Opening Night Kick-Off at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and another kick-off party in Sparks.
August 9 Revs Up the Pace
Among second-day events, the daily Classic Cherry Show-n-Shine begins at the Grand Sierra Resort (awards presented nightly at seven o'clock on the venue stage). There will also be the Ultimate Classic Car Competition at John Ascuaga's Nugget, show-n-shines at the AtlantisCasino Resort and a Local's Classic Car show-n-shine at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. It's also a good day to buy your tickets for the Hot August Nights Raffle Car drawing.
More Show-n-Shines on August 10
Eldorado Hotel Casino, High Sierra and the Silver Legacy Resort Casino show-n-shines, as well as the Classic Car competition at the Nugget are only a few of the attractions on Wednesday's schedule. It's the day that the Poker Walks begin and at night the Sock Hop will take place at the Mandalay Ballroom. There will also be a Kick-Off Car Cruise in downtown Reno and another controlled cruise in Sparks.
August 11 Picks Up Speed
This may be a good time to visit the Big Boy's Toy Store at the Reno Events Center Downtown before the wekend crowds arrive. Another attraction -- the Victorian Square Craft Fair will also be held each day in Sparks. And if you missed the controlled cruises the night before -- or even if you didn't, you'll be able to see them inboth downtown Reno and Sparks from 7 to 10 p.m.
Automotive Choices Get Even More Abundant August 12, 13
These are traditionally the two most action-packed days of the celebration. The HAN Swap Meet & Cool Car Showroom at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, the HAN Official Classic Car Auction at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Best Stock Restored Competition at Victorian Square and Classic Hot Rod Showcase at the Peppermill are among Friday's top draws, while Saturday favorites include show-n-shines, vendors' booths and entertainment at almost every venue.
And There's More
On August 14 at 10 a.m. the Official Parade begins rolling down Virginia Street.
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
