Happy Monday, Nevadans!

I came across this article by way of UNLV associate history professor Michael Green (who I have had the pleasure to interview) and became inspired. Green focuses on the Las Vegas Sun’s history and hardship through the years, but his closing message really touched me.

“Las Vegas still has distinctive journalistic voices in print, online, and on the air. Here’s to that continuing forever.”

Thank you for being part of the journey.

🧠 Red Rock Trivia — Saturday, Aug. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Red Spring Picnic Area (Calico Basin area). Registration is not required, and Calico Basin does not have an entry fee. Test your knowledge on Red Rock Canyon’s human history, earth science, life science, and this month’s special category: dark skies! Feel free to bring food and drinks to enjoy during the program.

🪕 Mountain Top Honky Tonk — Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31 at Lee Canyon. Two full days of live music, 12-7 p.m. each day. Saddle up for a weekend of live country music, ice-cold drinks, and fresh mountain air. Check out local food vendors, a beer garden, attractions, and activities for the whole family. Parking passes ($10 for a single day) and other additions (VIP packages and beer garden experience) can be purchased online.

🌼 Sharing The Sage: A Community Gathering — Friday, Aug. 29 from 5-8 p.m. at the In-Town Park in Fernley (behind China Chef by the skate park). Bring friends and a dish (optional) and experience peak bloom season for the state’s flower in a community potluck with food, poetry open mic, and sagebrush trivia. Sign up online.

🍖 The Best in the West Rib Cook Off — From Wednesday, Aug. 27 to Monday, Sept. 1 at the Victorian Square in Sparks (on Victorian Avenue between 14th Street and Pyramid Way). Often referred to as the Super Bowl of rib competitions, the event spans more than six city blocks in the heart of downtown Sparks, with two dozen of the country’s best BBQ teams competing for nearly $20,000 in prize money plus prestigious bragging rights. The event runs from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and on Monday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. There will also be vendors, a kids’ area, and entertainment on two stages. There is no admission fee, and the event is open to the public.

From Powwows to Día de los Muertos events, these festivals in Nevada provide the opportunity to learn about other cultures. (HannaTor/Shutterstock)

It might be the cooler weather, but community festivals and events are my favorite in the fall. So if you’re also looking for fun opportunities to join your community and learn about Nevada’s diverse population, tons are happening over the next six months.

Many of the festivals highlight various cultures and heritages with traditional foods, activities, art, and dance. From Dia de los Muertos celebrations and Native American tribes dancing to cowboys reading poetry—there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

Check out these 11 cultural festivals happening now through January.

On July 17, the option shut down for LGBTQ+ youth to access specialized mental health support from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (AP Photo/File)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said a month earlier that it would no longer “silo” services and would instead “focus on serving all help seekers.” That meant the elimination of the “Press 3” option, the dedicated line answered by staff specifically trained to handle LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health issues ranging from anxiety to thoughts of suicide.

Nevada plans to ensure that all 988 crisis counselors get training on working with LGBTQ+ callers, according to state health department spokesperson Daniel Vezmar.

Vezmar said Nevada’s $50 million investment in a new call center last November would help increase call capacity, and that the state’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health would monitor the impact of the closure of the Press 3 option and make changes as needed.

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