WHAT'S HAPPENEN!!

Friday, Dec. 8
It’s a Wonderful Christmas Craft Fair: Dozens of local crafters display and sell their crafts Dec. 8-10 at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10. Cost: Free. Details: 424-1801.

Village Sip, Shop & Hop: Enjoy sipping wine while shopping from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Village at Squaw Valley USA, Calif. Visits with Santa available. Bring a toy donation for their Toys for Tots campaign. Cost: Free admission. Details: 530-584-6060.

Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley: This annual holiday celebration takes place Dec. 8, 15 and 22 in downtown Grass Valley, Calif. Cost: Free. Details: 530-273-4667 or 530-265-2692.

“David Letterby’s Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate Christmas”: The Reno Christian Fellowship Adult Choir present this drama presentation Dec. 8-10 at 1700 W. Zolezzi Lane. Dinner performance is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8; dessert performance at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and general seating dessert performance at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. Tickets required for Dec. 8-9 performances. Cost: $10 dinner performance (advance), $5 each ticket thereafter. Free for Saturday and Sunday performances (tickets required. Reserve by Dec. 5). Details: www.rcfnv.org or 853-4234.

Homes for the Holidays Tour: Features six homes throughout southwest Reno. Proceeds from the home tours, preview party and auction benefit the STEP 2 organization that runs a recovery program for women. Preview party and auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with self-guided home tours from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10. Cost: Tours are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. The preview party and auction cost $250. Details: 787-9411, 843-6190 or www.step2reno.org.

Charles Marshall Comedy: The Georgia comedian performs clean comedy ideal for the entire family at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Sparks Nazarene Church, 2200 El Rancho Drive. Reservations required. Cost: Free. Details: 358-4066.

Bella Voce: This group sings carols and lullabies in concert 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rainbow Street and Island Avenue. They perform again at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 1070 W. Plumb Lane. Cost: $15 general, $12 BAC members, seniors and students. Details: 323-6090.

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”: Carson Performing Arts presents a fund-raiser for the Brewery Arts Center with a Christmas tale for children based on the book by L. Frank Baum that follows Santa’s childhood at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Brewery Arts Center Donald W. Reynolds Theatre, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Cost: $8 general, $7 students, seniors and BAC members, $5 children and students with ID, $25 family of four. Details: 883-1976.

“A Real Magic Holiday”: Celebrate the holiday’s with Kalin & Jinger’s seasonal magic and family fun beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 15-16, 26-27 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 17 and 30 at Magic Underground in the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: Evenings: $25.92 adults, $20.95 seniors, $15.95 children age 12 and younger. Sunday matinees: $19.95 adults, $14.95 seniors, $9.95 children age 12 and younger. Details: 324-6007.

“The Nutcracker”: A.V.A. Ballet Theatre performs this holiday classic at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $21-$51. Details: 786-1221 or 686-6600.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: The blues rocker performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $50, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300 or www.janugget.com.

Los Abadoned: The L.A. rock en espanol band plays an all-ages show at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Stoney’s, 71 S. Wells Ave. Cost: $10 in advance, available at Recycled Records; $12 at the door. Details: 828-4107.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Santa Train: Ride the rails with Santa Claus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St. in Carson City. Cost: Free. Details: 687-6953.

Antique and Collectible Show: The show takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Carson City Elks Club, Nevada and Robinson streets, Carson City. Features vintage jewely, quilts, pottery and much more. Proceeds from a drawing benefit Alicia Smalley who is battling cancer. Cost: $1 admission. Details: 775-267-2557.

Hoop Shoot ­— Free Throw Contest: Boys and girls ages 8-13 can participate in this contest presented by the Sparks Elks Lodge #2397 taking place on Dec. 9 at Dilworth Middle School, 255 Prater Way, Sparks. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with contest starting at 10 a.m. Eligibility is determined by age on April 1, 2007 and students will need proof of age. Participants are asked to wear soft soled shoes. Details: 772-6568.

Santa Photos with Pets: Have a picture of your pet taken with Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Healthy Tails, 3892 Mayberry Landing. All proceeds benefit the SPCA of Northern Nevada and Community Cats. Cost: $15 for two print greeting cards. Details: 787-3647.

Indoor Farmers Market: Holiday shoppers can purchase fresh produce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday in December at Shoppers Square, 213 E. Plumb Lane. Includes apples, oranges, potatoes, garlic, onions, winter squash, carrots and much more. Cost: Free admission. Details: 351-2551.

Reno Crafters Christmas Craft Fair: This handcrafted show features many local artisans on Dec. 9-10 at the Sparks YMCA, 850 Baring Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Bring canned food donations as part of admission which will be donated to Evelyn Mount’s holiday food drive. Cost: $3 or $2 with canned food donation, free for seniors age 65 and older and children age 12 and younger. Details: Randi at 851-2424.

Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum: Children ages 7-12 can learn to paint with watercolors from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9. Reservations required. Bring three cans of food for admission to be donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The outdoor arboretum features specialty gardens and flora from Nevada’s high desert. Both are located in the
Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Cost: $6.50, $5.50 children ages 3-12. Details: 785-5961.

Kids’ Book Group: Join with other children to read and discuss books at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at North Valleys Library, 1075 North Hills Blvd. Cost: Free. Details: 972-0281.

Local Author Arts and History Event: Features local author Patty Cafferata, photographer, Elizabeth Carmel of Truckee and driving and walking guide, Penny Rucks at 11 a.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

Bishop Manogue Open House: The school is hosting an open house for prospective 9th grade and transfer students from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the school, 400 Bartlett St. Cost: Free. Details: 336-6002.

The Sting of the Scorpion: Carl Breckenridge sings his newly released book at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St., Suite 106. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

“A Hometowne Nutcracker”: The Reno Dance Company perform this holiday favorite fundraiser at 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Jeanne Dini Theatre, 120 N. California St., Yerington. Proceeds to benefit the theatre. Cost: $25 general, $20 seniors and students, $35 VIP booth. Details: 324-7288.

“The Giving Tree”: This play is based on the story of a boy and a tree written by Shel Silverstein showing at 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Bruka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. Cost: $7 general, $5 children ages 12 and younger. Details: 323-3221 or www.bruka.org.

Harmony for the Holiday: The Reno Silver Dollar Chorus presents a family Christmas show featuring favorite hymns and carols at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks. Cost: $12 for matinees, $15 for evening performances, free for children age 12 and younger. Details: 673-9014.

Book Signing: Richard O. Davies is available to sign copies of his book, “Sports in American Life: A History” at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

Christmas in the Sierra: David John and the Comstock Cowboys perform this family-friendly holiday show at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Piper’s Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City. Proceeds will fund Virginia City events and Piper’s Opera House. Cost: $20. Details: 775-847-0433.

May Arboretum Holiday Tree Lighting: The Beacon of the Season Holiday Tree Lighting takes place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, 1596 N. Sierra St. (enter off Sierra Street). Festivities include Hug High and Mendive Middle School choruses, refreshments and tree lighting. Cost: Free. Details: 785-4153.

Sierra Club Ice-Skating and Dinner: Meet at the Reno downtown ice-rink at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the corner of Virginia and First streets. Later have dinner at Contrada Cafe restaurant at the Sienna Casino. Cost: $5 admission and $2 for skate rental, plus the price of dinner. Details: Richard at 685-2600.

Swing Classes: Beginning swing classes are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and intermediate to advanced classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Saturday at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Partner not needed. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop-in. Details: 351-1400 or www.letsdancereno.com.

Faith Prince: As part of the Cabaret Concert Series, musical theater artist and Tony Award winner Faith Prince performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Magic Underground Theatre at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: $30. Details: 851-1638.

KRZQ Jingle Ball with Angels and Airwaves: Tom DeLonge’s post-Blink-182 band plays an all-ages show with opening acts Under the Influence of Giants, Shiny Toy Guns and I Hate Kate at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Grand Sierra Resort Theater. Cost: Tickets are $25.50 and $27.50, available at the Grand Sierra and Ticketmaster outlets. Details: 789-2000.

The New Cars: The reconstituted new-wave rockers featuring Todd Rundgren on lead vocals plays at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Cost: $50. Details: 800-427-7247.

Biggest Little Swing Dance Club: The club hosts swing dancing from 8-11 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Sports West Athletic Club, 1575 S. Virginia St. A free beginner’s lesson is from 7-8 p.m. No partner necessary. Cost: $10. Details: 851-3373 or www.blsdc.org.

The Tami Show Benefit Concert: This benefit concert to benefit Tami Kramer who needs major surgery begins at 9 p.m. Dec. 9 at Club Underground, 555 E. Fourth St. Featured bands: Redcel, Mnemonic, Obscured, Above All Things, Pushbox, The Swamp Donkey, Suffocate the Day and The Good Citizen. Cost: $5 at the door. Details: 786-2582.

Method Man: The rapper, actor and Wu Tang Clan-er plays an all-ages show with openers The Beatnuts at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Montbleu. Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, available through Ticketmaster outlets and Montbleu. Details: 800-648-3353.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Kids’ Christmas Party: A children’s party complete with sleigh rides and pictures with Santa takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Indian Room at Cal Neva Resort Spa & Casino, 2 Stateline Way, Crystal Bay. Cost: Free. Details: www.CalNevaResort.com or 800-225-6382.

Hanukkah Bazaar and Book Fair: Shop for Hanukkah supplies, general Judaica, books for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Congregation Temple Emanu-El, 1031 Manzanita Lane. Cost: Free admission. Details: 825-5600.

Rink on the River: Ice skating at the rink at 10 N. Virginia St. goes through Jan. 28 and is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for youths or seniors, $2 skate rental. Passes are $25 and $45. Details: 334-6268 or www.renoparksandrec.com.

“Seussical the Musical”: Tahoe Players with a cast of 150 singers, actors and dancers perform two shows at 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, 2500 E. Second St. The play is a composite of several books written by Dr. Seuss. Cost: $23 general, $15 for children ages 11 and younger. Reserve a four-person booth for $150. Details: 789-2285 or 800-648-3568.

Knitting Classes: This class meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Spanish Springs Library, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks. There is free yarn and needles available for use. Cost: Free. Details: 626-4533.

Holiday Treat Concert: The Carson City Symphony performs in concert along with the Carson Chamber Singers and Carson Middle School Singing Solons at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., Carson City. Cost: $12 general, $10 seniors, students and association members. Details: 883-4154.

Candle Lighting Service: The Northern Nevada Chapter of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) will light candles in an act of remembrance for those grieving the death of a child on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Peppermill Hotel Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St. and at 6:30 p.m. at Harvey’s Resort Casino in Stateline. Both programs feature music, readings, a remembrance gift and refreshments. Please bring photo of loved one for Remembrance Table. Cost: Free. Details: Carol at 813-0828 or Delores at 849-1979.

Stanton Moore Trio: The Galactic drummer brings his jazz-funk outfit with opening act The New Mastersounds at 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 day of show. Details: 833-6333.