Mountain Living. Natural Wonders. Community Spirit. September 2026

In this issue

• FIREWISE Community Update

• Next Green Waste Disposal Day

• Broken Arrow Skyrace Fall Course Preview & Training Run

• Oktoberfest Returns to Olympic Valley

• Adopt-A-Highway Update

• A Special Tribute to Osvaldo Ancinas

Firewise Community Update

California’s new Zone 0 rules will change how millions of homeowners landscape the first five feet around their homes, and what we may soon be required to remove. For those of us living in Olympic Valley and other fire-prone communities, this is essential reading. The San Francisco Chronicle explains what’s coming, when it takes effect, and how it could affect your home. Read HERE.

In order to maintain our Firewise Community Certification, we must document hours and/or expenses that we incur to protect our properties every year. Remember this includes time spent participating in information programs, community meetings, and advocacy efforts. Please submit your information HERE.

Next Green Waste Disposal Day / Sunday Sept 13th

Where: Empty lot across from the Olympic Valley Fire Department

When: 9am – 4pm / Sunday, Sept 13th

As always, we need volunteers to staff the gate, collect names, email addresses & check materials. If interested please contact me, Michael Kennedy, at (530) 608- 9150 or send me a note: Michael.Kennedy999@gmail.com.

Broken Arrow is calling us back to the mountains

On Saturday, October 3rd, runners will gather at Palisades Tahoe for the annual Broken Arrow Fall Course Preview and Training Run with two distances, lower registration prices, incredible high-alpine terrain and the wonderfully inclusive reminder that whether you finish first or last, you're still a rockstar.

Registration is limited to 100 runners per distance. Choose your course, lace up your shoes and come earn some of the finest views in our 96146 backyard.

Read details and register here.

Prost! Oktoberfest Returns to Olympic Valley

Break out the lederhosen and prepare to raise a glass—Oktoberfest is returning to Olympic Valley!

On Saturday, September 26th, from noon to 6:00 p.m., the Village at Palisades Tahoe will be transformed into North Lake Tahoe’s largest Bavarian playground, filled with authentic German food and beer, traditional music and dancing, family-friendly games and plenty of good cheer.

The entertainment alone promises to be worth the visit. Joe Smiell’s 20-Piece Bavarian Band will be joined by traditional Schuhplattler dancers, the Sierra Alphorns and the Alpentanz Kapelle Band—bringing the wonderfully distinctive sights and sounds of Bavaria directly to our 96146 backyard.

Guests can enjoy authentic Erdinger Weissbier, sizzling bratwurst, warm pretzels, Swiss slices and traditional European pastries and desserts. There will even be root beer floats for younger revelers—and those of us who remain young at heart.

The always-popular OktoberGames will return, along with new VIP packages for those hoping to elevate their Bavarian experience.

Oktoberfest is one of those wonderfully spirited occasions when residents and visitors come together to eat, laugh, dance and celebrate the community we are fortunate enough to call home.

Bring your family, invite your friends and come ready to say “Prost!” beneath the mountains.

Saturday, September 2612:00–6:00 p.m.

The Village at Palisades Tahoe

Purchase Tickets HERE.

Oktoberfest is sponsored by the North Tahoe Chamber, supporting community vitality, environmental stewardship and economic health throughout North Lake Tahoe.

Adopt-A-Highway Update

HELP US CLEAN UP OUR STRETCH OF 96146

The morning after Oktoberfest, we’ll gather to clean our adopted two-mile stretch of Highway 89 leading to the entrance of Olympic Valley.

Please join us on Sunday, September 27th, at 9am We’ll meet, as always, at Olympic Valley Park.

Gloves, litter pickers, safety vests and bags will be provided. All we need is you, and an hour or two of your time, to help keep the gateway to our beautiful community clean.

Many hands make light work. We hope you’ll join us!

A Special Tribute to a Super Cool Resident of 96146

It’s not an Asado until the man who introduced it to Olympic Valley, in the early '60s shows up, and that would be the one and only, Two-Time Olympian, Osvaldo Ancinas... along with his secret “Oz” sauce.

Over the decades, this traditional gaucho-style Asado (lamb barbecue) continues to serve as an annual community gathering and a critical fundraiser for the Lake Tahoe Ski Club, local ski teams, and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA).

On Saturday, August 29th, the Asado was held at the Olympic Valley Chapel, where Osvaldo and other local legends, friends and neighbors enjoyed the fun and fellowship for this worthy cause.

I had the chance to interview Osvaldo a while back for a feature article in Palisades Press. He and his wife Eddy, have been, and continue to be, an important part of Olympic Valley's history. To read the story, A Touch of Oz, click HERE.

To check out the current issue (and previous issues) of Palisades Press, click HERE.

Thanks for reading this issue of 96146 News.

See you out there!

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All photographs by Michael Kennedy (unless otherwise noted) / BlueWolfGallery.com

I’m Michael Kennedy, a resident of Olympic Valley, CA (in photo above with Nicola and Boo). I’m a writer and photographer and I love exploring nature and getting lost along the way. We live in a world that demands our attention and I just want to say thank you for your attention. If you enjoyed this post, please share this with a friend. For more photos and stories visit BlueWolfGallery.com.