As 2008 comes to a close, we wanted to take a look back at all the wonderful things that happened in Nevada in the past year. We also wanted to take a look ahead to 2009 to see what we could expect to come.

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“Aphelion,” a mystical Cirque du Soleil-style theatrical production, opens Aug. 15 in the Eldorado Showroom in downtown Reno.

“Aphelion” reaches beyond traditional entertainment, exploring the enticing world of cirque-style productions. This theatrical circus is a spectacle for the eyes that explores deeper concepts and dimensions of entertainment. From the producers and creator of Eldorado’s past award-winning shows, Balagan and Taganai, “Aphelion” features a cast of award-winning and gravity-defying aerialists, contortionists, acrobats, dancers and jugglers. The alluring show combines Olympic-quality gymnasts and whimsical characters taking center stage in a surreal backdrop of dreams and fantasy.

The show’s storyline is about the collision of two worlds – the extraterrestrial world of the imagination conflicting with planet Earth. Aphelion is a layered composition of interactive comedy acts and skillfully choreographed dance numbers. Performances are complemented by mystical sets, ingenious lighting, sophisticated staging and creatively designed costumes....

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The 2008 “Land Rover G4 Challenge: Nevada Passage” airs nationwide beginning in August, with the Nevada debut Aug. 30 in Reno. So far more than 20 cities from Spokane, Wash., to Tampa, Fla., have picked up the syndicated adventure program.

This is the fourth annual Nevada Passage program, and this year Land Rover came aboard with its biennial G4 Challenge. The Land Rover corporation worldwide holds national G4 Challenges, and the winners of those challenges go on to the international G4 Challenge in England. Because the Nevada Passage was Land Rover’s North American qualifier, held in May, the winners of the Nevada Passage will be on their way to Europe next year to compete against the winners from 17 other countries.

The first airing of the “Land Rover G4 Challenge: Nevada Passage” will be Aug. 16 in...

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The Truckee Meadows’ newest brewery opened its doors on April 11th to an eager, thirsty crowd of local media and business owners before officially opening to the public the following morning.Ty Whitaker pours a pint of Black Noddy Lager at Buckbean’s VIP pre-opening party, April 11. Photo by Charlie Johnston

True to the descriptions provided at buckbeanbeer.com, the brews on tap were nothing short of delicious. The Original Orange Blossom Ale, zesty and refreshing, is a great spring or summer brew; light enough for the average beer drinker, yet still complex enough for the seasoned beer conneissuer. The Black Noddy Lager betrays its intimidating dark color with a smooth, toasty taste that even my companion, a sworn opponent of dark beers, couldn’t resist—she refilled her glass at least twice. A third, limited edition beer, Tule Duck Red Ale, is a...

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Nothing beats a cold, frosty brew after a long hike or mountain bike ride. But the straw on my Camelbak turns it into warm foam, bottles break getting jostled around in my pack, and my chiropractor has advised against attempting to bring a keg.

But thanks to the newest local brewery to hit the Truckee Meadows in more than a decade, I can reserve my Camelbak for water, dig through my pack without fear of errant shards of glass, and save my back on the trail. Buckbean Brewing Company, set to open Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m., will package their beer in eco-friendly, hiker-friendly cans. “Reno is America’s Adventure Place,” says Buckbean cofounder and Reno native Douglas Booth. “You can’t take glass to where you want to have an adventure. You name the outdoor activity, it’s safe to take a can.”

Initially, Buckbean will...

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