By Kayla Anderson
For the 33rd year in a row, classic car lovers congregate in the Reno-Sparks area to showcase their jewels of American nostalgia. The weeklong activities of Hot August Nights start off in Virginia City and then makes its way back to the Reno-Sparks for show ‘n’ shines, drag races, live music, and car cruises August 2-11.
Here are some must-see and do attractions and events as part of this year’s Hot August Nights:
Aug. 2-3: Classic Car Show-n-Shine on Virginia City’s C Street
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., classic car owners are invited to show off their shiny old school rides on Virginia City’s historic “C” Street. DJs Steve and Rich West will also be spinning tunes at the Delta Venue Lot followed by Route 66 The Band playing from 1-5 p.m.
Aug. 3: The Psychedelic Furs Play at Grand Sierra Resort
On Saturday, Hot August Nights attendees are invited to participate in a Poker Walk from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Virginia City (check in at the Delta Venue Lot) and then a Celebrity Shown-Shine Awards Presentation will be taking place back there right after. The HAN festivities start heading down the hill to Reno-Sparks after that, and the Grand Sierra Resort is hosting The Psychedelic Furs & James that evening (the show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $25, call (775) 789-1115 or visit www.grandsierraresort.com for details).
Aug. 4-6: Grab Breakfast at Baldini’s and Get a HAN Commemorative T-Shirt
On most mornings throughout HAN, buy breakfast from Baldini’s Casino from 7 a.m. to noon at its Empire Diner and receive a free 2019 commemorative HAN T-shirt. However, the shirts are only available while supplies last so it’s best to go early in the week. The Peppermill Resort in Reno will also be hosting a “Mill Mile” Cruise all week long; visit the resort or the HAN website for more information.
Aug. 6: Pie Eating Contest at Atlantis Casino Resort
Classic car cruises, show ‘n’ shines, and HAN events will be taking place all day long, but as the sun goes down head over to the pie eating contest at Atlantis Casino Resort to watch professional (or wannabe) eaters scarf down some dessert.
Aug. 7: Nugget Casino Resort’s Ultimate Classic Car Competition
All Chrysler/Mopar models and others will be judged at the Ultimate Classic Car Competition happening in Sparks; the awards presentation will be held at the Nugget Event Center outside in Victorian Square at 6 p.m. Around that same time, the annual Drag Races & Burnouts event will be going on until midnight at the Nugget’s west end parking lot. Admission is $15 per day.
Aug. 8: Enter Your Car in a Poker Run with Stops in Reno, Sparks, Minden and VC
From 8 to 11 a.m. register your classic ride at Summit Racing Equipment at 960 E. Glendale Avenue in Sparks and spend the day cruising over to the Atlantis, Jaguar Land Rover Reno, Minden Park, Historic Virginia City, and Champion Chevrolet in hopes to conjure up a winning hand. The Nugget will also be hosting a classic car competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a focus on old timey Ford cars. That evening, Mumbo Gumbo will be headlining on the Nugget Event Center.
Aug. 9: Craft Fair in Victorian Square and a Cruise Through Downtown Sparks
There is a lot happening in Victorian Square on Friday, Aug. 9, starting with a best stock car competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. That evening a controlled cruise is taking place from 7-10 p.m. and Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) will be playing at the Nugget Event Center.
Stuck in Reno that night? Head over to the Atlantis at 8 p.m. to view the Twinkie Eating Contest or watch Blue Hawaii starring Elvis Presley at Peppermill’s Outdoor Movie Night.
Aug. 10: Chubby Checker Plays at the Nugget Event Center
Starting at 9 a.m., a Celebrity Choice Show-n-Shine will be held in Downtown Sparks with an awards presentation at 6 p.m. at the Nugget Event Center (while the drag races will be going on at the Nugget’s west parking lot). There will also be a controlled cruise throughout Sparks from 7-10 p.m. and Chubby Checker will be playing at the Nugget Event Center.
Over in Reno, a Vintage Trailer Revival Open House will be going on at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by a hot dog eating contest at the Atlantis at 8 p.m. and a firework show compliments of the Silver Legacy Resort Casino at 10 p.m.
Aug. 11: Breakfast at the Sands and Parade of Champions
To end the 2019 HAN festivities, head over to the Sands Regency for the Maserati’s & Coffee Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Afterwards, watch the Parade of Champions in Downtown Reno on 4th and Virginia streets.
Take the RTC Bus to Go Between Events
The RTC RAPID Transit will be offering free bus fares from Downtown Sparks to Downtown Reno during Hot August Nights. Visit www.rtcsnv.com for details.
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