Get Your Kicks on Route 66

June 28 marks the opening of a new exhibit at one of Las Vegas' premier family adventure parks, Springs Preserve. In 1946, the popular song "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" hit the airwaves, immortalizing the road for decades. Springs Preserve is celebrating the iconic road with its new exhibit, "Next Exit: Route 66." The exhibit showcases how Las Vegas artists Su Limbert, Todd Duane Miller, Andreana Donahue, Justin Favela, and JW Caldwell have interpreted Route 66 using a variety of different mediums.

As the most famous road in American history, Route 66 stretches more than 2,400 miles and crosses eight states. Established on November 11, 1926, the road has since become popularized for connecting “Old America” (the East Coast and Midwest) to “New America” (referred to as the “Sunbelt”).

The exhibit runs through September 15 and is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are free for Springs Preserve members. Visit the website for general-admission prices. Discount rates are given for Nevada residents, students, military personnel, and seniors.

"Next Exit: Route 66"
Springs Preserve
springspreserve.org
702-822-7700

First Flight in Ely Centennial Celebration

In July 1913, aviator Frank Burnside took the first airplane flight in Ely (second airplane flight in the entire state), taking place just 10 years after the Wright brothers flew for the first time.

On Friday, July 5, the 100-year anniversary of this first flight is celebrated at Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The museum hosts an unveiling of a six-foot replica of the original plane, a steam-train ride, as well as a presentation by Burnside's grand nephew.

The event also features the "Kick up your Heels" dance with music by Steve "The Mustang" Campbell. The dance is free and cocktails will be served; attendees must be 21 and older.

On Saturday, July 6, there will be a free pancake breakfast at the Ely Airport.

Kingston Days

The town of Kingston normally celebrates with their annual fireman's picnic and fundraiser. However, being that 2013 is Kingston's sesquicentennial, they have expanded the annual fireman's picnic and fundraiser into the Kingston Days event.

Kingston Days, August 2-4, is a celebratory weekend of events hosted and staffed by members of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Department, the Kingston Fire Association, and their families.

The festival kicks off opening night with fireworks at Kingston Pond. Free camping is available all three nights at Kingston Park.

The following day, attendees can enjoy an event-packed schedule including a fishing derby, fire department picnic, bingo, gun raffle, horseshoe tournament, rubber-duck race, music festival, and more. The night winds down with an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner.

On Sunday, a pancake breakfast, ATV poker run, and a rib and chili dinner keep folks occupied.

The Kingston Volunteer Fire Department's picnic has been held annually for more than 20 years. All proceeds from Kingston Days benefit the fire department. 

Kingston Days
kingstonnevada.org
775-964-1034

Great Basin National Park: Revisited

Stella Lake Summer Day, by Lady Jill Mueller

On Friday, June 21, the Nevada Historical Society — Nevada's oldest cultural institution — in Reno will host a free reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for Lady Jill Mueller, the artist featured in the new exhibit Great Basin National Park: Revisited. There will be refreshments and free admission to the galleries.

Interestingly, Mueller was featured in the February 1990 issue of Nevada Magazine in a department titled, "NEVADA ART & ARTISTS." Click on the image at left to view the 1990 article. Mueller's Reno exhibit, which will be on display until September 20, 2013 and then travel throughout the state, focuses on the beautiful painted landscape of Great Basin National Park.

The Nevada Historical Society museum is located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.