August is one of the busiest months in White Pine County!
Arts in the Park – Ely, Nevada
The first weekend of August is Arts in the Park in Ely, with over 100 vendors offering a wide variety of art, photographs, jewelry, hand-made soaps, food, and so much more. The event takes place in the big park right in front of the White Pine County courthouse on Aultman Street.
Ely Triathlon
August 10, 2019 is the second annual Sky High Triathlon, sponsored by the White Pine County Aquatics and Ely Outdoor Enthusiasts. The Triathlon has distances of sprint, beginner, and tiny tots. The fun begins at the White Pine Aquatic Center, with swimming in the pool. Then participants jump on their bikes to follow a hilly course, followed by a run. This is a small-town triathlon, so don’t be shy, come on out and join the fun!
School Starts!
August means the start of school for local school kids. But summer is still going strong at Great Basin National Park. All the trails are passable now (which wasn’t the case in early July!). Astronomy programs are held Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. Cave tours fill up every day. Either make reservations in advance or go to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center at 8 am to sign up for any of the added tours for that day (they often sell out very quickly). The high country often beckons people because of the cooler temperatures. The Lakes Loop and Bristlecone Trails are favorites. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
White Pine County Fair and Ely Horse Races
August 16-18 may be the biggest weekend in Ely, with the White Pine County Fair beckoning to those from all corners of the county, and the Ely Horse Races drawing a crowd from all of Nevada and surrounding states. Check out the animals, baked goods, amazing quilts, 4-H projects, and much more. Visit booths and play games, And if you’re so called, try your luck at pari-mutuel betting on the races. Check out the White Pine County Fair & Ely Horse Races website.
Snake Valley Reunion
A modified version of the Snake Valley Reunion, when aficionados gather to celebrate the beautiful valley, will be held at the Border Inn on Sunday, September 1. Join new and old friends for a picnic-style lunch with fried chicken, potatoes, salads, and more. Share stories, reminisce, and plan new adventures!
Farmers Market on Saturdays in Baker
Every Saturday, Baker, Nevada has a Farmers Market next to the Baker Community Church from 9 am to 12 pm. Check it out for fresh produce, baked goods, artwork, local photography, and more. Fun side note: Baker got its start producing crops and fruit for local mining areas like Osceola. It’s lower elevation (about 5,300 feet) allows it to have a longer growing season than many of the nearby mining areas. Fruit trees over 100 years old are still present in the valley, including some in the orchard near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, which Absalom Lehman started long ago.
— Gretchen Baker
