Topaz barbecue was fun for all

It was a busy week in the south county with lightning-caused fires in the almost inaccessible mountainside above Jack Wright Pass, then within what seemed like minutes, another was reported on the rolling hills to the northeast of Topaz Lake between the lake and what used to be Red Hills Hunting Preserve.

The lake fire, very visible from the populated southwest side of the lake, was watched very closely by anxious residents as first responders, Topaz Volunteer Fire Department supported by Nevada Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management and Ruhenstroth. Additional help was provided by Mother Nature, who, in a display of contrition for igniting the blazes in the first place, brought forth a downpour to aid the firefighters in their efforts.

The 40th anniversary barbecue at Topaz Lake Station 5 came to a close Sunday, with fun had by all, kids included. As a family-oriented event, a special drawing was held just for the little ones so, they too, could walk away with some wonderful prizes. Four-year-old Skylar Miller was the lucky winner of a festively decorated pink flamingo, as tall as she was, which she hugged, held and danced around with. Very cute.

According to TVFD treasurer Carol Dettorre, 644 dinners were served, down from last year but the silent auction, a first year addition, plus the regular auction and raffles were a huge crowd pleasing success. Buffalo Country made a return appearance and entertained until the closing of the event. Among the many yearly prize donations provided by Topaz Lodge and Casino, the top auction item, the slot machine, went for $1,000, according to Dettorre.

The event was the combined efforts of stations 4 and 5, now under a single roof as Topaz Volunteer Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Dave Thomas. Chuck Fields is currently serving as president of the consolidated Topaz Volunteer Fire Department and the rest of the roster includes, Vice President John Trent, Secretary Cheryl St. Onge and Treasurer Carol Dettorre. Congratulations on another very successful event and thank you for all the fun for the community.

-- Hey... When you in the shower or singing along to tunes on the radio while cruzin' down the road, you may think you have it all over top name performers, right? Well here's your chance to test your skills for real. Topaz Joe's Grill and Bar will provide karaoke from 9 p.m. to closing, Saturday. The karaoke event will be hosted by Psycho Attitude Productions, a Stateline based entertainment provider by Troy Helenick. Don't miss your chance to display you talents and be an entertainer for a night. Who knows, a star could be born in TRE.

-- Other fun things to do this weekend: The Minden Street Fair on Esmeralda Avenue will be in full swing both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 crafters, live music by Crimson Collar, a variety of food to munch on and an art show in the CVIC Hall both days. Hate to say it but it's an excellent time to be putting away special gifts for Christmas. Shop early, spare yourself some stress and I'll see you there.

Until next week, lots of fun things to do and remember to keep on keepin' on.

-- Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213.