Community briefs

Carson City

Symphony begins 2007-08 season Wednesday

The Carson City Symphony will kick off the 2007-08 season 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with a pot-luck and jam session for musicians and guests on at 703 Westview Ave. Music folders for the first concert will be available that evening. For reservations, call the Symphony at 883-4154. Rehearsals begin 7:15-9:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Carson High School band room.

Washoe Valley

Marlette-Hobart backcountry areas closed now through October

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is temporarily closing a portion of the Marlette-Hobart backcountry through Oct. 15.

The affected park areas will be Lakeview Road, Hobart Road between Marlette Lake and Hobart Lake, Red House Flume Trail and the Tunnel Creek Road in the Red House/Franktown Creek area.

The affected access points are the park gates above the Lakeview Estates and at the top of Musgrove Canyon, both in Washoe Valley.

The areas are closed during an upgrade the existing diesel pump system with the installation of a natural gas generator, electric pump and new delivery piping. This system supplies water to the Virginia, Silver and Carson city areas.

Ash Canyon Road, Hobart Lake, North Canyon Road, the Marlette Lake Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail, within the park boundaries, will continue to be open.

The closure does not effect backcountry travel permit holders, but permittees should proceed with caution. Contact the park at 831-0494 with any questions.

Bowers Mansion site of bluegrass festival

Spend a family fun day in the pines at the Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival on Saturday. The popular Nevada bluegrass festival, in its 22nd year, is sponsored by the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association.

The lineup of bands includes the Stairwell Sisters; Keith Little, Jody Stecher & Paul Knight; Mountain Laurel; Cabin Fever; The NNBA Monday Night Volunteers; Thrown Together; and the Biggest Little Bluegrass Band.

The day's activities will include music workshops with instruction by some of the performers. The workshops include guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, singing harmony and clogging.

The festival will also have vendors offering food as well as arts and crafts. Bring low-back chairs or blankets. Cost is $20 for adults, $5 for children under 12. See www.bowersbluegrassfestival.org or call 747-4830.

Lyon County

Boogiesize at the Fernley Senior Center

Boogiesize, exercise for the mind body and soul is offered 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Fernley Senior Center, 1170 W. Newlands Drive. This exercise may be adapted to all levels of ability. It may even be done from a chair or a wheelchair. Call (775) 575-3370.

Lake Tahoe

Fine Arts returns to Kings Beach

Enjoy the summer and scenic views as the Fourth annual Fine Arts Festival returns to the Kings Beach State Park. This year's show will showcase an outstanding array of two-dimensional fine art and sculptural creations. This free outdoor festival takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend event is sponsored by the North Tahoe Business Association and will feature 40 respected artists. Visitors will have the opportunity to view artwork in the scenic lakeside setting of Kings Beach State Park in North Lake Tahoe, on Highway 28 at Coon Street.

For information, contact Cheri Sprenger of the North Tahoe Business Association at (530) 546-9000 or Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 296-1195 or visit www.pacificfinearts.com.

Reno

Make it with Wool Contest judging is Saturday morning

The judging of the Make It With Wool Contest will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Exhibition Hall at the Nevada State Fairgrounds with the Fashion Show following at 3 p.m. There is no fee for spectators who want to come see the show. The competition is sponsored by the American Sheep Industry and the Nevada Wool Growers.

For information, call Sarah Chvilicek, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 784-4848.