Busy weekend to open second half of October

Between the arrival of autumn, Nevada’s birth month and Halloween, the second half of October is going to be crazy busy.

This weekend features at least nine events including the Johnson Lane Fall Arts and Crafts Tour and the Carson Valley Art Studio Tour across both Saturday and Sunday.

Genoa and Gardnerville will be getting their Deutsch on this weekend, straying from the traditional September date for Oktoberfest.

Sertoma’s long-time celebration is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday featuring the Gruber Family Band in Gardnerville’s Heritage Park.

Genoa will give Germanophiles an opportunity to whet their appetite for bratwurst and sauerkraut with a fundraiser 1-5 p.m. today in Genoa Park.

For more outdoorsy pursuits, the Pine Nut Mountain Trails Association is conducting its annual cleanup 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Meet at the Johnson Lane Off-Highway Vehicle access.

A talk on hummingbirds in Nevada is 11 a.m. today at the River Fork Ranch off 381 Genoa Lane.

This evening, the Sports Aviation Foundation is hosting Cloud Appreciation Society Founder Gavin Pretor-Pinney 6 p.m. today at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center.

Carson Valley Pops is performing 7 p.m. today at the CVIC Hall.

After this weekend, a variety of Halloween-related events kick off with a Halloween Toddler Time is 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville. Trick-or-treating starts at 10:15 a.m. Information, 775-782-5500, ext. 1.

The Carson Valley Community Food Closet and the Family Support Council are hosting a free costume patch 2-5 p.m. Thursday at 1251 Waterloo Lane.

Main Street is hosting the last Third Thursday Wine Walk of the season with a pink Halloween theme, “Witch Way to the Wine,” 4:30-7:30 p.m.

School is out Oct. 23-27 for fall break, which is the week before Nevada Day, when local and state offices are closed on Oct. 27.

The annual Nevada Day Parade in Carson City is Oct. 28.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Fright at the Fairgrounds is every Friday and Saturday night through the end of the month, with a Trick or Treat Safety Street on Oct. 31 to be followed by the last day.

The Douglas County Library will be celebrating the season on Halloween with a “gently spooky” storytime 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 and under followed by Trick-or-Treat around the library on Oct. 31.

There will be Trick-or-Treating for all ages 3-6 p.m. and READing Paws from 3:30-5 p.m.

“We are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project and will have edible and nonedible treats for trick-or-treaters, but please bring your own bags,” librarians said. “Costumes are encouraged, but not required.” Trick-or-Treating at the Library is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library. The Minden Branch is located at 1625 Library Lane.