I Love Carson City’s Weekend Event Summary: July 21 - 22

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

• — Flapjack Breakfast Fundraiser at Applebee’s: 3300 S. Carson St (8am-10am; $10 includes pancakes, eggs, bacon and juice; benefit for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to aid in their mission to find cures for pediatric cancers)
• — Dayton Pigs Desert Cleanup – Meet in front of Calvary Chapel Church on Enterprise Way in Dayton (8am-10am; From there, we will be hitting the trails, clearing out couches, appliances, etc; Bring a truck/trailer, work gloves, and water - First aid kit, eye protection, dust mask, rake, and shovel recommended, and don't wear your favorite shoes; Trash cans, extra trash bags, and shovels are always welcome - If you bring an empty trailer and get it loaded, we'll cover the dump fees; Dayton Pigs is a community effort to rid our beautiful wild spaces of trash left behind from out-of-control illegal dumping)
• — Sierra Chef Farmers Market at Genoa Town Park, on Nixon in Genoa (8am-1pm; An assortment of fresh produce, herbs, eggs and more, crafts, and local food items and specialties)
• — Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am to 1pm; fruits, vegetables, flowers, local vendors, live music, the Muscle Powered Bike Valet and more)
• — Dayton Farmers Market at Community Roots and Shoots: 60 Second Ave - across from Pizza Factory, Dayton (9am-1pm; able to accept WIC, SNAP, USDA Senior Citizen Coupons, cash, etc)
• — Junior Naturalist Program at the Silver Saddle Ranch: 2648 Carson River Road (9am-12pm; Children of all ages are welcome to join a Park Ranger learn about local ecology, wildlife, and hiking safety! Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes for activities and a short hike)

Downtown always gets an early start on the weekend. Head down to the Third and Curry Farmers Market for some yummy produce. Genoa and Dayton host their own Saturday markets, so fresh from the farm isn’t far, where ever you’re at.

• — Motor Car Weekend: Rides on the 1926 Edwards Motor Car and the 1910 McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Museum open 9am-4:30pm, Motor Car Rides available from 10am-4pm; All-inclusive wristbands featuring unlimited motor car rides and museum admission $15 Adults, $9 Children 12 to 17, $5 Children 4 to 11 years old, Children 3 years old and under are free; Standard museum admission and motor car fares will also be available)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — Northern Nevada Pond Club annual Self-Guided Pond Tour (Carson ponds 9am-1pm, Douglas ponds 12pm-4pm; Enjoy amazing local Koi ponds, water features, beautiful yards and amazing landscaping; $10, $15 per couple: Tickets available at Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City and Valley Garden Center in Gardnerville; Exact addresses provided with tickets; For more information contact Bev Fricke 775-265-7765 or Sharon Dunk at 775-267-0336)
• — In Jesus Name Free Medical Clinic at Dayton New Life Foursquare Church: 202 Six Mile Canyon Rd, Dayton (Must check-in 9am-12pm; first come first seen - if you are checked in by noon, you will be seen; Flu Shots, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Orthopedists and specialty doctors available; NO narcotics, NO disability or legal evaluations)
• — Sixth annual Comstock Classic Car Show in Miner’s Park: North E St/Mill St, Virginia City (registration 9am -11am, $20; show 10am-5pm; awards 2pm; food, music, raffle prizes)
• — Christmas in July event: Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32; tickets limited, available online HERE: http://vtrailway.com/trains-routes/cc-vc/ ; Riders who attend the event will be offered discounted merchandise, a magical experience and a special surprise for the The Polar Express 2018 debut)
• — Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture; books are not included; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program)
• — Mind, Body, and Mimosas with Meghan at the Union: 302 N. Carson (10am; $12 suggested donation; Vinyasa Flow Style Yoga; Bring your mind, body, and mat; After class, we encourage you to join us for mimosas)
• — Spirit of America Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm AND during the Levitt Amp Concerts 6pm-10pm)
• — Gypsy Caravan at the Eddy Street Pop-Up Vintage Market: 1235 Eddy St., Gardnerville – next to Sharkey’s (10am-5pm; bohemian chic theme)
• — Pokemon Club at the Carson City Library (10:30am-11:30am; Registration required HERE: https://carsoncitylibrary.libcal.com/event/4234892 ; Learn how to play the Pokemon trading card game. Each month will focus on a new skill; intended for middle school students; You must have a library card in good standing to participate)
• — Wheel House’s Fourth Anniversary Bash at the Mills Park Skate Park (11am-5pm; everyone welcome; live music, raffle, skate demos, competitions, giveaways, and more)

Happy Anniversary to Carson’s very own skate shop, the Wheel House. Help them celebrate at Mills Park where you’ll be treated to live music, giveaways, and skate demos.

• — Live Music featuring Alias Smith unplugged at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (11am-2pm; Alias Smith is quickly becomming - for lack of a better term - the best 'Party Band' in Northern Nevada)
• — Friend Speed Dating at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (11:30am-12:30pm; Adults ages 50 and over are invited to this low-key social event; Attendees will be given a set amount of time to chat with each of the other attendees. The “getting to know you” period will be followed by food and refreshments)
• — Noon Music with CW at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (12pm-2pm; original swing and honky tonk songs)
• — Auditions for the Carson Valley Community Theater’s production of Agatha Christie’s ’The Mousetrap’ at The Annex at the Carson Valley Arts Council Building: 1572 Hwy 395 N, Minden- next to Coffee on Main (1pm-3pm; for three women and five men; for further information, call 775-292-0939)
• — Summer Saturday Family Movies series: The Aristocats at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2pm; rated G; movie and popcorn are free; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• — Bar BINGO at NV Ugly: 1433 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (2pm; free to play, win bar swag and drinks)
• — Live Music featuring Dewey Paul Moffitt at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (3pm-5pm)
• — Toast of the Canyon Wine Tasting Train with special guests the Nevada Civil War Volunteers and John Tyson: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Arrive at 4:30pm, Steam train leaves the Depot at 5pm and returns around 6pm; $25, includes snacks with a glass of white wine; call 775-291-0208 or 877-724-5007 for tickets)
• — Summer Concert and Ice Cream Social with the Capital City Community Band at the First Presbyterian Church: corner of W. Musser/N. Nevada St. (5pm; free admission, donations always appreciated)
• — Live Music with Sandra ‘Pipes’ Medley at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• — 25th Annual Taste of Downtown: from Telegraph Square to Tenth Street (5:30pm-9pm Tasting, 5:30pm-10pm Live Music; Limited Tickets available for $45 beginning at 11am at the Advocates to End Domestic Violence Info/Will Call booth at 1oo N. Carson St, in front of the Attorney General's office; seven live bands, 15 downtown shops/galleries, and over 40 restaurants participating; all proceeds benefit the Advocates to End Domestic Violence)
• — Free Outdoor Community Concert: SambaDá - part of the Levitt AMP Music Series on the Minnesota Street Stage at the Brewery Arts Center (vendors/food trucks 6pm, NAA Art Gallery open 6pm-10pm, concert begins 7pm; Free; Bring your own chair or use one of ours; Food trucks and bars will be available; kids activities and a bounce house but parents must stay with their children at all times; Pets on leashes are welcomed; Based in the rich musical traditions of Brazil, SambaDá also references salsa and cumbia, and blends them playfully with funk and reggae beats)

It's all about downtown today, no way around it. The Taste of Downtown has the whole community wining, dining, dancing, and mingling. Samba’Da brings a little bit of Brazil to the stage at the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. If you have a hankering for the haunted, join in the Ghost Walking Tour that takes you down a spirited memory lane.

• — Ghost Walking Tour led by Madame Curry – Meet in McFadden Plaza at Third and Curry (7pm, please arrive 15 minutes early; $20 day of tour; This is a spirit lead, guided walking tour of the downtown district's west side historic homes and businesses; discounted advance tickets can be bought at www.carsoncityghostwalk.com)
• — Live Music: Kristen Hoffman in the A to Zen ‘Zen Den’: 1803 N. Carson St. (doors 6pm; 7pm start; $5 cover, you get $5 store credit; all ages welcome; Growing up loving music and the theater, she will be bringing favorites from Disney classics and Broadway musicals like "Beauty and the Beast", "Les Miserables", "The Little Mermaid", "Wicked", and many more)
• — Live Music with the Joey Carmon Band at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• — Douglas High All-class Reunion at TJ’s Corral Outdoor Amphitheater at the Carson Valley Inn, Minden (7pm-10pm; $10; Live music by the Trippin King Snakes; Open to all DHS past students, admin, parents and friends; hosted by DHS Class of 1988)
• — Live Music with Erik Clark on the Washoe Camp Saloon outdoor stage: 3155 Eastlake Blvd, New Washoe City (7pm-10pm; drink specials, Tejaro Mexican Grill food truck; 21+ only in the bar and/or the beer garden)
• — "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $15; A a modern and delightful spin on Shakespeare’s classic tale of mixed up love brought together with a wonderful dose of pop culture music; A Pipers Players community theater production promoted in conjunction with Reno's Artown)
• — Rock 'n Bowl Night at Carson Lanes Family Fun Center (7pm-11pm; music and laser lights; Bowling Discounts for groups of 10 or more)
• — Rock’n and Bowl’n at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (8pm-11:45pm; $10-$14 includes two hours of bowling and more; disco lights, fog machine and lots of prizes)
• — Weekly Star Party with Telescope Viewing at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave, off Murphy Drive (sundown-11pm; free to participate; guided star viewing by telescopes begins at sunset; Weather permitting)
• — Comedian Anderi Bailey headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget (doors open 7:15pm, show starts 8pm; $15; purchase tickets at the Guest Services Desk; must be 21+)
• — Karaoke hosted by J and M Productions at the Spoke Bar and Grill: 3198 Hwy 50 E (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Greg Austin’s Southern Justice Band at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music featuring Just Us in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• — Live Music featuring One Way Street at the Ponderosa Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
• — Live Music with the Soul Persuaders at ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• — Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• — DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+)
• — DJ Dance Party at the Sage Lounge inside Battle Born Social: 318 N. Carson St. (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+; Live DJs, Electronic Dance Music)

I won’t blame anyone for being a little worn-down today. In addition to the heat and the smoke, the Taste of Downtown can be a little too much fun. Find some inner peace during Bookworm Yoga at the Library. The V and T Steam Train will take you on a beautiful ride to Virginia City and back; this weekend, to help kick off the upcoming Polar Express, there will be a short detour to the North Pole. Join the Capital City Community Band at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville for a free concert and free ice cream, too.

SUNDAY:

• — Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (meet at 8am; ride consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles; Riders usually split up into two groups (tortoises and hares) and each do 10-15 mile loops; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting site; email Shane: shane@shanetrotter.net with any questions)
• — Motor Car Weekend: Rides on the 1926 Edwards Motor Car and the 1910 McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Museum open 9am-4:30pm, Motor Car Rides available from 10am-4pm; All-inclusive wristbands featuring unlimited motor car rides and museum admission $15 Adults, $9 Children 12 to 17, $5 Children 4 to 11 years old, Children 3 years old and under are free; Standard museum admission and motor car fares will also be available)
• — Carson City BMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (Weather and Track Conditions Permitting; sign-ups 9am-10am $10, call/text 775-220-7111 if running late; must be USABMX member; one-day trial memberships and new rider kits available)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — Community Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $12 suggested donation; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• — Spirit of America Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Christmas in July event: Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32; tickets limited, available online HERE: http://vtrailway.com/trains-routes/cc-vc/ ; Riders who attend the event will be offered discounted merchandise, a magical experience and a special surprise for the The Polar Express 2018 debut)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Gypsy Caravan at the Eddy Street Pop-Up Vintage Market: 1235 Eddy St., Gardnerville – next to Sharkey’s (11am-4pm; bohemian chic theme)
• — Bookworm Yoga with Good Elephant in the Carson City Library Secret Garden (12pm-1pm; Join us for an hour of gentle yoga in the Secret Garden. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, towel, and some water - limited mats available; those under 9 years old must be accompanied by someone 13+ at all times; part of the Summer Learning Challenge)
• — Music Jam Sunday at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (1pm-3pm; we try to keep it simple so that musicians of all ages and skill levels can participate. We welcome music of all genres and styles; Audience is welcome)
• — Guided Walk to the Hanging Tree at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa (1pm-2pm; free, open to all ages; Join a park interpreter for a one-mile guided walk to the infamous “hanging tree,” and hear the tragic story of how “Nevada justice” was carried out on the morning on November 25, 1897, participants will also stop and discuss some of the beautiful historic properties located along the route, and their connection to the Mormon Station trading post; Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and bring water)
• — Jack DiCarlo's Musical Stylings at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (1pm-3pm; an elegant performer with a guitar gently coaxing the listener into a happy place)
• — Flashback Cinema: Batman (1989) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (2pm; $8.50 adults, $7.75 kids)
• — Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• — Weekly 9 Ball Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• — "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (2pm; $15; A a modern and delightful spin on Shakespeare’s classic tale of mixed up love brought together with a wonderful dose of pop culture music; A Pipers Players community theater production promoted in conjunction with Reno's Artown)
• — Backpacks, Shoes and You at Fuji Park (2pm-4pm; free backpacks and shoes for school-aged kids; Games, Giveaways, Popsicles and More; hosted by the LifePoint Church)
• — Backpacks, Shoes and You at Lampe Park, 1329 Waterloo Ln, Gardnerville (2pm-4pm; free backpacks and shoes for school-aged kids; Games, Giveaways, Popsicles and More; hosted by the LifePoint Church)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Union: 302 N. Carson St. (4pm-8pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Summer Concert with the Capital City Community Band and Ice Cream Social at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church: 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville (4pm; free admission, donations always appreciated)
• — Virginia and Truckee ONE-WAY Steam Train Ride: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 4:30pm, arrive in Virginia City 6pm; $37, seniors and veterans $35, kids 3-16 $25; tickets limited, available online HERE: http://vtrailway.com/trains-routes/cc-vc/ )
• — Live Music with Deep Groove at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (5pm-8pm)
• — Live Music featuring Steve Lord in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• — Flashback Cinema: Batman (1989) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (7pm; $10.25 adults, $7.75 kids)

Every week, I create a list of the fun stuff and events going on around the Carson City area for my Facebook page, I Love Carson City. There is quite a bit to do in our beautiful capital this week, so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great weekend.

My weekly Facebook list includes Friday-Thursday, so please go HERE for events beyond Sunday, or just wait for my daily ‘Things to do’ here on Carson Now. You do NOT need a Facebook account to access the information.

As always, Carson Now welcomes reader contributions to our website. Go HERE to submit an event, photo, or item of interest.