carnival

Happy birthday, America! Today we celebrate our independence, and what better way than with a carnival. You might as well stay at Mills Park all day, the fireworks display starts when it gets dark. Tune into Magic 95.5FM and you’ll hear the choreographed music to go along with the oohs and aaahs. Where ever you choose to watch fireworks, please be safe. There are thousands of visitors in the Northern Nevada area this weekend, and law enforcement will be out in full force.

SATURDAY: Independence Day

• Free Swim for Active and Retired Military at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pools only)
• Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Concert in the Park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (5K, $20 per person and family rates, free for active/retired military; register 7am-7:45am; Run/Walk begins 8am, Patriotic costumes encouraged; 8am Carson Valley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast $7; Free Kids Obstacle Course 8am; Free Concert begins 11:30am)

Over the next few days you will be inundated with options: where to go, what to see. Fourth of July weekend in Northern Nevada is a great time. Kick it off today with the Nevada State Train Museum; a parade of trains and unlimited ride passes. The carnival at Mills Park opens every day at noon and has rides, games, funnel cake and cotton candy; you’ll find a $5 off coupon at the RSVP booth. Head up to Kings Beach tonight and catch an early-bird fireworks display. Go here for a list all of your Independence Day options.

FRIDAY:

• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids)

Grab the kids, the carnival has come to town! RSVP hosts the carnival at Mills Park to raise money for their senior outreach programs, and the rides, games, and funnel cakes will around until Sunday evening. Take a look at the skies while you’re atop the Ferris Wheel. Today is World UFO Day. Nevada has a reputation for its many UFO sightings, so if the clouds aren’t in the way, you may just see some strange lights. July 2nd was chosen because of the Roswell Incident in 1947.

THURSDAY:

• Advance Purchase $20 all day wristbands for the RSVP Carnival Available at Carson City Toyota: 2590 S. Carson St. (until 6pm today only) $5 off coupon available at the RSVP office: 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 6

Stagecoach Community Center Kids Carnival and Craft Fair
Stagecoach Community Center
Hwy 50 E
8:00 am to 4:00 PM
Games,raffles, petting zoo, Vendors, food vendors, Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, and so much more.

Fourth of July celebrations abound in the Carson City area. Fireworks can be found in Carson City, Reno, Sparks, and at both north and south shore of Lake Tahoe. There are several daytime events going on as well, so grab the kids, friends, and family and have a great Independence Day weekend!

Friday, July 3:
July Third Fireworks and Beach Party at the North Tahoe Events Center on Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe (4pm-10pm, free; vendors, contests, games, music and more; Fireworks 9:30pm; FRIDAY)

Saturday, July 4:

Carson City:

Bikes, and cars, and brews: oh my! Downtown Carson is awash in activity on Saturday. Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly features the Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge, vendors, a brewfest, moustache competition and more. The Karson Kruzers are hosting their annual car show at Fuji Park, but will be making their way downtown after it’s over, so there will be plenty of cool cars to admire. Mojo Green takes the stage at 7 p.m. and you can head into the Carson Cigar Company to enjoy Reno’s newest Pink Floyd Tribute Band, Scarlett Moon at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY:

• Karson Krusers’ Run Whatcha Brung Car Show at Fuji Park (registration 7am-9am; show and vendors until 6pm; parade to downtown 6pm)
• Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers Fundraising Yard Sale on Ophir Circle, off Richmond (8am-3pm; help send them to perform at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)

Are you ready for the weekend, Carson City? I know that the Taste of Downtown is hard to beat, but the new Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly has thrown its hat in the ring. Live music, vendors, competitions that test motorcycle driving skill and moustache growing ability. The brewfest and tasting is tomorrow night, but the fun will begin today at noon. Shine up your hot rod, the Karson Kruzers’ Run Whatcha Brung Show hits Fuji Park tomorrow, but you can register and show off your ride tonight in the Carson Nugget Parking Lot.

FRIDAY:

• Last day to purchase tickets for the Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Anniversary celebration concert with Lacey J. Dalton at the decommissioned Nevada State Prison ( $40 per person, paid in advance only. Reservations may be made online or by calling the Chamber at 882-1565)
• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

Hot summer nights in the city are here. Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly hits downtown tomorrow, along with Karson Kruser’s Run Whatcha Brung car show, but there is plenty of fun tonight. Head over to Living the Good Life for Salsa night and learn a few new steps. The Reno Rodeo is still in full swing; line dancing at Beercade will get you ready. Test your knowledge at Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar’s Trivia Night. The Dangberg Historical Ranch is hosting the Jug Stompers, so grab a blanket and bring the whole family down for a concert on their lawn.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (sign in 7:45am, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes: includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Happy Wednesday, Carson City! Today just jumps right in and gets going from the start. The Pony Express re-ride runs through town this morning, recreating the ten day trek from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA. The Kings Canyon Trailhead opens today after a ceremony thanking all those involved in the undertaking. If you can’t wait for the Third and Curry Farmers Market on Saturday, Douglas County hosts two on Wednesday, one at Lampe Park and one at Sierra Gourmet Grill.

WEDNESDAY:

• Pony Express Re-ride expected through Carson City, delayed as of 8 a.m. (may be up to three hours behind schedule; go to www.ponyexpresstracker.com for updates)
• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

Happy Tuesday, Carson City! Summer is here in full force, so get yourself up to Lake Tahoe to escape the heat, or head over to your favorite watering hole for an icy beverage. Swing by Capital Ford this afternoon to get a glance at the Wounded Warrior’s High Five Touring Vehicle and make sure to leave your signature and a message on it, as well.

TUESDAY:

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (7:45am sign in, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes: includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, check availability; ages 7-12)

Hello, Carson City. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mondays are kind of quiet in comparison to the rest of the week. If you have some time, head over to see one of the many art exhibits around town. The Nevada Artists Association has just switched up their gallery at the Brewery Arts Center and has a new summertime theme. Head over to the Community Center at 12:30 p.m. or at 5:30 p.m. to see what the designers have come up with for downtown. Your input is important in this phase of the planning, so make sure you bring your ideas!

MONDAY:

Editor's Note: Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Carson Now would also like to extend birthday wishes to Danielle Cook, who puts this calendar together every day for her Facebook site, I Love Carson City and for Carson Now.
The Reno Rodeo is always a good time for the whole family. Or head over to Tahoe Ridge Winery for their CruZin and Cabernet Father’s Day Celebration. Dangberg Ranch, off Highway 88 in Minden, is kicking off their Summer Concert Series with the Nighthawks. Bring a chair or blanket, and the whole family.

SUNDAY: Father’s Day

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (12pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• Father's Day Brunch sponsored by Carson City Emblem Club #507 at the Elks Club: 515 N. Nevada St. (9am-1pm; $10)
• Flea-Market at Silver State Charter School on Mallory Way (9am-5pm)

The solstice couldn’t come at a better time: we need some long days to get through all the fun stuff Carson City has crammed into one weekend. The annual Powwow at the Stewart Indian School runs Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to see the dancing, peruse the crafts, and eat an Indian Taco. Don’t miss the Fly-in and Open House at the Carson City Airport: fun for the whole family. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of Carson City’s favorite events: the Taste of Downtown. Music, food, and more from Carson Mall to Williams Street. Have a great time, and be safe.

RSVP will host the 4th of July Celebration and Carnival in Mills Park for the 23rd year! Carson City Toyota-Scion, our premier sponsor, has graciously partnered with RSVP and Cumulus Media to provide a live radio remote on Magic 95.5 FM beginning at 6 pm on Saturday, July 4th and leading up to a broadcast of patriotic music and simulcast to the fireworks display at dusk. We hope that you will be our guest and join us at Mills Park for great live music by Jake Armer and the HotDogs beginning at 2 pm.

We made it, Carson City! It’s Friday, and the first day of summer is this weekend. The Reno Rodeo has begun, and there are several days to get in on the action. Tonight, Carson City BMX is hosting Race for Life, and anyone with a bmx bike and a helmet can participate in helping them raise funds for a good cause. The annual Powwow kicks off at the Stewart Indian School with Grand Entrance at 7 p.m. Head to Comma Coffee and celebrate eleven years of World Dance Open Floor: just watch or sign up to show your moves.

FRIDAY:

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Splurge, (as defined at Dictionary.com) is: to indulge oneself in some luxury or pleasure. Its National Splurge Day, so treat yourself to some Taste of Downtown tickets. Head over to the Purple Avocado, Classy Seconds Gift Store, or the Chamber of Commerce and plan on indulging for a good cause. Indulge in some live music at the Brewery Arts Center tonight: Whatitdo from Reno will be playing in the Black Box Theater.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (sign in 7:45am, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes: includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

The weather app on my phone says that it’s supposed to be a sunny weekend hitting a high around 91 degrees. That sounds like summer to me! Get out and enjoy our valley and the surrounding towns, there will be plenty of good times. Carson Valley Days has begun in our neighbor to the south, complete with carnival at Lampe Park. Tonight, welcome a new exhibit in the CCAI Gallery at the Courthouse: a reception for the artists of ‘Industrial Arts’ begins at 5 p.m. Meet the Journey of Hope bike riders at Western Nevada College; plenty of activities for everyone.

FRIDAY:

• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Annual Rummage Sale for the Dayton Valley Historical Society at the Carson and Colorado Depot at the corner of Hwy 50 East and Main St., Dayton (8am-6pm)

The weekend is getting an early start. Carson Valley Days in Gardnerville kicks off with their Lampe Park carnival, and Dangberg Historic Ranch Home off Highway 88 hosts the first of their Twilight Concerts with Ciana. You can meet Author Laura Lea White at the Browser’s Corner Book Shop tonight; copies of her book ‘Generational Gifts: The Legacy of Evelyn Marie’ will be available. Silver Dollar Cruise Night is at Dunkin' Donuts; every Thursday through summer you'll find hot rods, street racers, and cool old cars at a different location.

THURSDAY:

• One Putt Jr. Academy at Silver Oak Golf Course (sign in 7:45am, 8am-10am; $40 per class or $200 for six classes classes includes Green Fees, Pull Cart, Golf Clubs, Gatorade; space limited, ages 7-12)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Presented by Petco Foundation, Nevada Humane Society’s Duck Race and Festival is swimming back for a 6th year with a goal to adopt 30,000 rubber ducks to benefit homeless pets. The community is encouraged to adopt a rubber duck now then spend a fun-filled day in the park to cheer on their duck as they race down the Truckee River. The grand prize is a 2015 Toyota Corolla generously donated by Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota Scion.

After 12 years, the annual Carson City Sheriff's Office Cops and Kids open house Saturday was among the biggest yet, with dozens of families and hundreds of children taking part in games, contests and information events well into the late morning and into the afternoon.

The popular community event is aimed at children of all ages and their families as a way introduce public safety agencies, especially law enforcement, to them. The event is part family carnival without the rides, and part educational experience, where music, food, contests, songs and dancing are the orders of the day.

Did you put your Mother’s Day shopping off to the last moment? Head over to the Carson Mall for their arts and craft show. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a nice dinner or brunch for her special day. Take a ride on the McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum or the Ferris Wheel at RSVP’s Spring Fair and Carnival. And you can take Mom to a matinee of Western Nevada Musical Theatre's "Music Man" at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center.

SUNDAY: Mother’s Day

• Mother’s Day Rose Sale at the Greenhouse Garden Center (8am-6pm)
• Carson City BMX races and Mother’s Day Race at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex (Signups 9am-10am)
• Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at the Elks Club: 515 N. Nevada St. (9am-1pm; $12)

Happy Mother’s Day, Carson City! Several family friendly events are occurring around town this weekend. Take a ride on the McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum or the Ferris Wheel at RSVP’s Spring Fair and Carnival. A Harmonica and Strings Concert at Empire Elementary School showcases what some of our talented students can do. Get up early and head over to the Carson City Airport if your youngster has any interest in planes: Young Eagles flights are happening today if the weather permits.

SATURDAY:

• 23rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (leave your donation of non-perishable food items at your mail box for mail carrier to pick up)
• Greenhouse Project Annual Spring Plant Sale and Live Music with Hick’ry Switch at the Carson High Greenhouse: 1111 Saliman, off Robinson –behind the buses (8am-1pm)

Breakfast is such a great way to start out the day, and local favorite, the Cracker Box, has been serving it up for 35 years. Join Supervisor Brad Bonokowski for his monthly meeting with residents, or wait until 9am for a short presentation from the Mayor honoring the restaurant. Their lunch menu is delicious, as well, but you may want to join Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout of Mills Park instead. It’s a good day to connect with our local leaders! If you’ve driven down Williams St., you’ve seen the RSVP Spring Festival and Carnival. It will be there all weekend, so you’ve got a few days to indulge in cotton candy and fried twinkees.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly Breakfast with Supervisor Brad Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7:30am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

Poetry, art, and theater today in Carson City. All day long, the CCAI exhibit, Tuscarora, will be visible in the Sierra Room as the Board of Supervisors conduct their meeting. Head over to the Legislature for ‘RenoScapes,’ the final SENarts ‘Works of Artists’ program this season; check out the LXS Exhibit by artist Dawn Dot Star while you are there, it will be changing next week. Teens are invited to learn some acting and improv skills at the Carson City Library this afternoon. Nevada Arts Council Fellowship winners, Laura Wetherington and Jared Stanley, will be sharing their poetry and honored at a reception today at Western Nevada College.

THURSDAY:

• Turkish Day at the Legislature
• National Day of Prayer (7:30 in Room 3100 of the Legislature AND 11am on the Capitol steps
• CCAI Exhibit: Tuscarora, by artist Ron Arthaud at the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room (available during public meetings and most evenings 5pm-8pm)

For the 30th year, the Nevada Rural Counties Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Inc. (RSVP) will sponsor the Spring Fun Fair and Carnival at Mills Park this Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 10.

The carnival opens at 5 pm on Thursday and Friday, at 2 pm on Saturday and Noon on Sunday. All proceeds go toward services for Carson City seniors designed to assist them to remain independent and in their own homes with dignity.

Fans of NASCAR, the Electric Daisy Carnival or the Burning Man countercultural event held every year in the Black Rock Desert in far Northern Nevada could soon have to pay a bit more to get their groove on....

Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green. Carson City definitely gets in on the game with festivities all over town. Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and live music abound. I've included a short YouTube video of Tom and Mary Kay Aufrance who will be performing at Red's this evening.

May the Irish hills caress you.

There’s a good chance that you are viewing this on a phone. I think that Alexander Graham Bell would be blown away with how far his invention had come in the 139 years since he first said ‘Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you’. Today is the birthday of the first telephone call."

The athletics program at Western Nevada College is facing drastic cuts. A group is forming to seek ways to fundraise and keep our Wildcats in the game. Head over to the Legislature Building this morning at 10 a.m.; you’re looking for room 2149.

The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up in preparation for the second year of the Nevada Fair. This year’s event will be held July 30 through August 2 at the Carson City Fairgrounds at Fuji Park, 601 Old Clear Creek Road.