Elks soccer shoot this weekend

Douglas County Parks & Recreation hosts the 2021 Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge Soccer Shoot 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Lampe Park, 1324 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

The Elks’ Soccer Shoot is an accuracy and distance skills competition open to youth ages 5-13; participants may reside within or outside of Douglas County. Registration takes place on-site the day of the event, and there is no cost to participate.

First, second, and third place winners each receive a medal. First place winners will also be presented with a soccer ball during a special awards ceremony to be held in October at Lampe Park.

For more information about the soccer shoot, call 775-782-5500 and press option 1.

Hiking events at Washoe Lake State Park

Washoe Lake State Park, located at 4855 Eastlake Blvd. in Carson City, has planned a number of guided hiking excursions this month. The park has a daily entrance fee $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents or $10 per vehicle for non-residents. No additional fees are required for the following events.

This Saturday, park staff lead a moderate 4-mile hike along the East Loop Equestrian Trail from 10 a.m. until noon. The trail is mostly flat, but hikers should be prepared to walk through a few sandy areas and bring sun protection, hiking shoes, water, and binoculars.

To get to the park from I-580, take Exit 10 (Eastlake Boulevard) and drive north for about 4 miles. Turn left to enter the park, turn right after the fee booth, then drive past the campground and across the short gravel road to the west side of the equestrian area.

Although September’s full harvest moon won’t be deemed official until Monday the 20th at 4:55 a.m., nasa.govreports the moon will appear full from this Sunday evening through Wednesday morning.

Hikers are invited to “explore [Washoe Lake State Park] by moonlight” during a full moon hike on Sunday, September 19 from 7:30-9 p.m. Hikers will gain 380 feet of elevation over 1.5 miles to reach the gazebo above Deadman’s Creek Trail.

Reservations are required for the full moon hike and may be made via email at wlsp@parks.nv.gov or by phone at 775-687-4319.

Participants will meet at the Maze parking lot. Once through the park entrance, turn left past the fee booth and park in the first lot on the right.

On Saturday, September 25, park staff lead a 3.5 mile hike along the North Loop Equestrian Trail from 10 a.m.-noon. The hike is rated as easy but does include terrain of loose sand and uneven ground. Hikers should arrive prepared with sun protection, proper shoes, water, and binoculars.

The trek starts from the North Boat Ramp parking lot on the north end of Washoe Lake. From I-580, take Exit 10 (Eastlake Boulevard) and drive north for about six miles. Turn left onto Douglas Drive and drive west for 1.5 miles before making a right onto Lakeshore Drive and an immediate left into the park.

Dogs may join any of the above hikes provided they are kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Nevada Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 25, and visitors to Nevada’s State Parks will to enjoy a “fee-free” day at the park of their choosing. The event “encourages Nevadans to discover the many exciting and affordable recreation opportunities right on their own backyards.”

For more information about these and other events, a complete listing of Nevada’s State Parks, recent updates, and more, log onto parks.nv.gov.

Bark in the Park

After an event delay due to wildfire smoke, Partnership Douglas County’s Bark in the Park fundraiser will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Street in Gardnerville.

Attendees will enjoy K-9 demonstrations, food, drink, music, raffle prizes, and more. All proceeds benefit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program, which is funded entirely through public and private donations.

More information about the DCSO K-9 Unit can be found at sheriff.douglascountynv.gov/divisions_and_units/patrol_division_units/k-9.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.