Lincoln County
Memorial Day in Caliente and other things
“See the USA in your ….” There was the name of a certain automobile in that 1950s commercial, but we’ll stop right there and invite you to visit Lincoln County this spring and summer in whatever kind of vehicle you want.
Memorial Day is Homecoming in Caliente, on U.S. 93. The annual event traditionally features a parade, softball tournament at Dixon Park, art exhibit, volleyball tournament, craft fair, car show, kids’ games, a big barbeque, and other activities.The event is intended for those who once lived in Caliente or the surrounding area and families thereof, to feel the call to come home again, if only briefly. But of course visitors from any place are equally welcome.
Prizes are even given for the classic car that comes the longest distance and for one that might still be under construction.
If you want to see the USA on a public highway at top speed, then the Nevada Open Road Challenge, May 12-15, might be for you. Run from Ely to Hiko on State Route 318 — specially closed for the day — sponsored by Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc., it is listed as the fastest race on a public highway in the world. Current record time is 217.5570 mph by Jim Peruto in a Dodge Charger in 2012.
A similar race, the Silver State Classic Challenge, will be held on the same course Sept. 15-18.
For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Nevada State Parks offer the 4th annual Beaver Dam Gravel Grinder, scheduled for June 18. Josh Ivins, park supervisor at both Cathedral Gorge and Beaver Dam State Parks, said the 35-mile course will be much the same. “It’s a bit more intense than rides on paved roads, and we are encouraging participants to not use narrow gauge tires. They’ll blow out quickly. Full mountain bike tires are best.”
Beginning at Beaver Dam, it is a beautiful ride with scenery in the mountains of eastern Lincoln County. “Our roads look to be in really good condition this year,” Ivins said.
Another very popular biking event, the Park-to-Park Pedal, and Extreme 100, takes place in Lincoln County in early October.
The 21st annual Kids Free Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Nevada State Parks system, will be at Echo Canyon Reservoir June 11. Last year saw about 360 participants and over $10,000 in give-aways and prizes.
So this spring and summer, “See the USA in your….” Well, at least Lincoln County, Nevada anyway.
— Dave Maxwell
