This summer is all about Hot August Nights (and Days) in Sparks
The 32nd annual classic car event kicks off in Reno/Sparks this Friday, Aug. 3, in Virginia City, and then original and restored vehicles will make their way over to Reno and Sparks for Show N’ Shines, competitions, drag races, and more. Here are my top five picks of what to see, what to do, and how to plan your time at Hot August Nights (Aug. 3-12):
1) Go to the Drag Races at the Nugget Casino Resort
Held at its west end parking across from Victorian Square Wednesday Aug.8 –Saturday, Aug. 11, classic cars rev their engines and put the pedal to the metal on the 1/16th of a mile track. Gates open at 5:30pm and the races start at 6. Nightly cash prizes are doled out to the top racers plus a chance to compete in the Saturday Night Grand Finals
2) Walk through the Classic Car Competition and then post up in Victorian Square for the Cruise
On August 9-10, the Nugget will be hosting classic car competitions as judges score the best original and restored Chrysler, Mopar, and stock cars. On Aug. 9 from 7-10pm, HAN classics will also be participating in the controlled cruise in Downtown Sparks, so grab a bite at Great Basin Brewing Company then sit back and marvel at the cars.
3) Dance the night away at Baldini’s Sports Casino
If you are yearning to break out your Twist, Stroll, Hand jive, or Jitterbug, then consider going to the free concerts at Baldini’s. From 7-11pm, Brian Andrews in Concert will be performing classics from Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and many more rock ‘n’ roll legends.
4) Are you a HAN participant looking for the best places to show off your classic car?
Then make sure you sign up for Aug. 9th’s Poker Run at Summit Racing Equipment (960 E. Glendale Avenue). Held from 8-11am, Poker Run stops include the Atlantis Casino Resort, Jaguar Land Rover Reno, Main Street Minden’s Scenic Minden Park, Historic Virginia City and Champion Chevrolet.
5) If you love Twinkies or hot dogs, then sign up for a HAN eating competition
Nothing says you love Twinkies more than trying to stuff as many of them as you can into your mouth during this hilarious food eating competition to be held at Atlantis Casino Resort on Aug. 10. Starting at 8pm, folks 21 and older will be trying to put down the Hostess’ favorites to win special prizes. The Atlantis will also be hosting a hot dog eating contest the following night.
And while we’re on the subject of food, don’t forget that the annual Best in the West Rib Cook-Off starts in Victorian Square on Aug. 29th. Try out dozens of different varieties of seasoned pork ribs throughout Labor Day weekend and vote for your favorites in this fun end-of-the-summer event.
— Kayla Anderson
