Columnist Barb Henderson: Plan a cool getaway in Spring Mountains shade

Barb Henderson

Friday, July 16, 2004 | 9:15 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

With temperatures continuing to reach three digits in the valley, you may want to mark your calendar and make plans to head to higher elevation for a cool day relaxing under the shade of the ponderosa and bristlecone pines. The 10th annual Festival in the Pines 2004, sponsored by the Spring Mountains Volunteer Association (SMA) will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort on Mount Charleston in Lee Canyon.

SMA is the primary volunteer organization for the U.S. Forest Service, dedicated to enhancing the appropriate use and preservation of the resources in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) through volunteerism and educational efforts.

The Soroptimist International of Las Vegas -- a worldwide organization for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women -- will be a co-sponsor.

This cool mountain getaway will provide a fun-filled day for the entire family while allowing for an opportunity to discover many of the outdoor recreational opportunities available in the SMNRA.

"Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is proud to play host to the Festival in the Pines 2004. It's a great event and another fantastic reason to beat the heat and come on up to the cool mountain air at 8,500 feet," said Brian Strait, general manager of the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

It will be an honor and privilege for me to once again be the emcee for the festivities, a role I've enjoyed for years. While the event is still in its planning stages, the SMA hopes to include informational booths representing various groups and organizations that provide: demonstrations, information on equipment and skills, arts and crafts, entertainment, food and special appearances by Smokey Bear.

The goal of the SMA is for the attendees to take with them an appreciation of the mountains and increased knowledge in how to enjoy them. Thousands of people have attended past festivals.

"The Forest Service along with Smokey Bear encourages everyone to attend the Festival, not only to enjoy their national forest but, also participate in a worthwhile educational experience of the Spring Mountains NRA,"aid Beth Short, spokeswoman for the SMNRA.

SMA would like to involve as many groups, clubs and organizations as possible. A limited number of booth space is still available.

The SMA encourages Southern Nevada organizations that are interested to contact SMA for their participation.

Attendees will be asked for a $2 donation per person, and the donor will receive one drawing ticket. Festival proceeds will be used for SMA-sponsored projects within the SMNRA.

For more information and/or booth-space availability, contact Pat and Bobbye Fitzgibbons at 382-2721.

LAKER PLAZA BENEFIT: St. Judes Ranch for Children and Child Haven will benefit from "A Day at Laker Plaza," from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the bait and tackle shop, 2310 E. Lake Mead Drive in Henderson. The event's coordinator, Ken Marlow, said activities will include drawings, freshwater and saltwater fish viewing, lure judging, knot tying contest and displays.