Photos by Brett Fisher

  • Photos by Brett Fisher. Santa Claus at the Capitol steps prior to the tree lighting.
    Photos by Brett Fisher. Santa Claus at the Capitol steps prior to the tree lighting.
  • The Grinch seeks his award at the tree lighting ceremony.
    The Grinch seeks his award at the tree lighting ceremony.
  • Santa Claus waves to the crowd Friday night at the Capitol.
    Santa Claus waves to the crowd Friday night at the Capitol.
  • The Grinch at the Capitol tree lighting Friday night.
    The Grinch at the Capitol tree lighting Friday night.
  • The Grinch and Santa entertain the crowd at the Capitol tree lighting Friday night.
    The Grinch and Santa entertain the crowd at the Capitol tree lighting Friday night.
  • The Capitol Christmas tree lit up Friday night.
    The Capitol Christmas tree lit up Friday night.
  • Fifth grader chorus at the Capitol steps Friday night.
    Fifth grader chorus at the Capitol steps Friday night.
  • Fifth grade chorus singing Christmas carols on the Capitol steps.
    Fifth grade chorus singing Christmas carols on the Capitol steps.
  • Christmas lights line Carson Street in front of the State Capitol Friday night.
    Christmas lights line Carson Street in front of the State Capitol Friday night.
  • Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
    Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
  • Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
    Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
  • Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
    Christmas decorations light up the Capitol grounds Friday night.
  • Christmas lights line Carson Street Friday night.
    Christmas lights line Carson Street Friday night.
  • Carson High Chamber Choir sings on McFadden Plaza Friday night.
    Carson High Chamber Choir sings on McFadden Plaza Friday night.
  • A tuba player and drums play in the middle school band Friday night on McFadden Plaza.
    A tuba player and drums play in the middle school band Friday night on McFadden Plaza.
  • Saxophone and flute sections of the middle school band on McFadden Plaza.
    Saxophone and flute sections of the middle school band on McFadden Plaza.
  • Santa entertrains the crowd sitting before the stage on McFadden Plaza.
    Santa entertrains the crowd sitting before the stage on McFadden Plaza.
  • Crowd on Bob McFadden Plaza Friday night for the Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights celebration.
    Crowd on Bob McFadden Plaza Friday night for the Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights celebration.
  • Soup servers at the Empty Bowls fundraiser Friday night at the First Presbyterian Church.
    Soup servers at the Empty Bowls fundraiser Friday night at the First Presbyterian Church.
  • Soup is served Friday night to a guest at the Empty Bowls fundraiser.
    Soup is served Friday night to a guest at the Empty Bowls fundraiser.
  • Empty bowls available for donation during the project fundraiser Friday night.
    Empty bowls available for donation during the project fundraiser Friday night.
  • Empty bowls available for donation during the project fundraiser Friday night.
    Empty bowls available for donation during the project fundraiser Friday night.
  • A Borges family draft horse pulling a carriage along Carson Street Friday night downtown.
    A Borges family draft horse pulling a carriage along Carson Street Friday night downtown.

Amid frigid below-freezing temperatures, hundreds gathered around the Nevada State Capitol in downtown Carson City to celebrate the 28th annual Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights.

Carolers, choirs, bands and draft horse-drawn carriages provided festive entertainment during the evening celebration.

Meanwhile, the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser up the street inside the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Musser and Nevada streets provided an inviting, warm venue from the cold, including a variety of soups, stoups and stews prepared by area restaurants.

Participating local restaurants included Adele’s Restaurant and Lounge, Carson City Confections, Carson Nugget, Casino Fandango, Creekside Deli, Garibaldi’s, Firkin and Fox, Glen Eagles, Juan’s at the Comstock Casino, Mallard’s, Mom and Pop’s Diner, San Marcos Grill, Slot World, The Grill at the Gold Dust West, Villa Basque Café, and Linda Marrone of the Third and Curry Farmer’s Market.

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