Hot August Nights and Legends Reno Tahoe Open

It will be a very busy week here in Reno, with the Hot August Nights full calendar and the Legends Reno Tahoe Open (two of Reno's biggest events).

Hot August Nights

No one knew back on August 1, 1986 that a nostalgic "rock and roll" event would become a premier car show that would bring over 800,000 to Reno to attend the biggest car show in the nation.  The parade of classic cars cruisin' down Virginia Street was the highlight event in 1986 and the event which gave birth to today's Hot August Nights, which features show-n-shine car shows, a Big Boy Toy Store, Swap Meet and a big bash sock hop.

Please click the picture below to view the official Hot August Nights 2009 video:

I cannot begin to list all of the events and venues scheduled for this week, but I will highlight a few.  The Hot August Nights Sock Hop will be held at Circus Circus in the Mandalay Ballroom on August 5th.  This year's theme is "Grease".  The emcee and great music from the 50's, 60's and 70's will be provided by The River, 103.7 FM.  Food and themed cocktails will be served.  The proceeds from the Sock Hop ticket sales will be donated to the Hot August Nights Foundation.  Tickets will be available at the door.  I do recommend that you purchase them in advance at the or at the Circus Circus Main Cashiers Cage.  For information or tickets, you can call 789-5604 or 800-648-5010.

If you want to build your own hot rod or just "cherry" your classic, you will not want to miss the Big Boy's Toy Store at the Reno Events Center.  Almost 300 vendors will be on hand with the finest in street rod, hot rod and truck accessories for sale.

If you enjoy seeing people win money, you will want to attend one of all of the Grand Sierra's Classic Cherry Show-n-Shine giveaways (11am-5 pm).  The five owners of "Best of Show" vehicles will be awarded $500.  The cash prizes will be award each evening at 7p.m. starting tomorrow and ending on Friday.  The "Best of Show" daily winners will automatically be entered into the "Best of Show" competition for the final judging for the grand prize of $10,000 and a trophy, which will be awarded on Saturday, August 8th at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to all of the great Hot August Nights events, you can enter a raffle drawing for a chance to win a fabulous '69 Chevy Camaro SS convertible, which features a Chevy 350 engine, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, all black interior and a metallic blue with black stripes paint job.  The Camaro was restored by Don and Normandy Brooks, proud owners of B&T Custom Rod and Restoration.  Tickets are only $1.00!  To increase your chances and save a little, you may also purchase 6 tickets for $5, 30 tickets for $25 and 150 tickets for $100.  Tickets are available at the Hot August Nights office and other locations.  The winner will be announced on October 3, 2009 at the Hot August Nights Fall Frenzy, which is being held in the Circus Circus parking lot.  All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Hot August Nights Foundation.  The Hot August Nights Foundation provides help for children in need or at risk.

Hot August Night events are scheduled everyday, all day and into the night through August 9th.

The Legends Reno-Tahoe Open
The Legends Reno-Tahoe Open is a favorite among the PGA members and fans.  Competitors this year are playing for a tournament purse of $3,000,000.  The tournament will be played at the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, Montrêux Golf and Country Club.  The event will be aired live on the Golf Channel starting Thursday at 3:30-5:30pm PST.  Live coverage will continue on Friday and Saturday at the same time.  The tournament will end on Sunday with live broadcasting from 4:00-6:00pm PST.

Spectators attending the tournament will find some interesting sideline entertainment.  At the 16th hole, you will be able to fiesta (party) with Latin themed drinks, a burrito and a taco bar while being entertained by a live Mariachi band.  Wine lovers will want to take part in the Vino 100 Wine Walk, where they can sample fine wines at several tasting stations.  For those interested in living a healthier lifestyle, there is a special booth for you sponsored by Renown.  Pedometers and maps will be available for those wanting to walk all or part of the course.  For the young golf enthusiasts, there will be a Kidz Par Tee Zone, which features several kid-oriented activities such as face painting, a bounce house and a putt-putt course.

The Legends Reno-Tahoe Open will also be offering you an opportunity to make some charitable contributions.  Birdies For Charity will be awarding a grand prize to the person closest to predicting the number of total number of birdies made by the PGA players.  To participate, just make a pledge for each birdie shot (from 1 cent to $10).  Last year's birdie count was 1466.  If you enjoy the game and would likve to share your love for the game while supporting our troops, you may donate new or used clubs and balls to Clubs For The Armed Forces.

You may still be able to buy tickets for the tournament online, by phone (775-322-3900) or at the grounds gate.

Tickets Online: https://tickets.legendsrenotahoeopen.com/
Spectator Information: http://www.legendsrenotahoeopen.com/spectators/

No matter what you do this week, I hope you have a great one.