I love Carson City

A holiday tradition that spans generations, Carson High School will host its 28th annual Holiday Craft Fair this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18 on the CHS campus, 1111 N Saliman Rd, Carson City.

Hello. Danielle Cook here. I'm the person behind 'the list.' I’ve labored over how to write this - with multiple stops, starts, and pauses in the pursuit of getting these words out. In the end, I guess I should just be brutally straightforward: It’s time to announce my retirement.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with CarsonNow.org for four years, contributing my daily and weekend ‘things to do’ event listings, but at the end of this month I will be discontinuing the column.

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

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Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

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.

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Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

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Time to get July off to a fun start. The downtown Wine Walk is a great way to spend the day exploring new shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’re feeling competitive, head down to the Carson Mall for their watermelon and hot dog eating contests. The summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center continue with a singer/songwriter showcase.

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• — 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)

Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the red, white, and blue celebration starts now. For a complete listing of upcoming Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the area, you can go HERE. See the trains under steam at the Nevada State Railroad and ride the rails to your heart’s content.

It’s a planes, trains, and automobiles kind of weekend. Add in bands, bikes and bar-be-ques and we’ve got most of this weekend’s list covered. The Carson City Airport is celebrating 90 years at this year’s open house and fly-in. One of the summer’s best events with balloon rides, cool old planes, and much more: you won’t want to miss it. Beat the heat at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; all admission fees have been waived today thanks to Carson City Toyota. Summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center begin tonight with the Original Wailers.

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

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It’s going to be a breezy weekend, so you may want to rethink spending the day at the lake. Luckily, plenty of options are available just about anywhere you are. Carson City has a car show and Brewfest hitting the downtown corridor, and to the south, Minden and Gardnerville are having their party of the year: Carson Valley Days. It’s World Doll Day at the Nevada State Museum with special displays, activities, and a special performance by the local Young Chautauquans.

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

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Today we honor those who have not only served, but who gave all in defense of our country. A tribute ceremony at Lone Mountain Cemetery for our Nevadan veterans will begin at 1 p.m. A memorial for our Native American veterans begins at 10 a.m. at the cemetery across the street from the Stewart Indian School. The 10th annual barbecue at Evergreen Gene’s welcomes all comers, and veterans will get 25 percent any of the fun things they find in the shop. Read on below for more happenings today.

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the kick-off to summer, but in Northern Nevada we know that the weather is a fickle creature. The weather should be dryer and warmer as the weekend progresses but have back-up plans for your bar-be-que, just in case. From the Downtown Carson City Ghost Walk to the Rockin’ Rib Fest at Casino Fandango, a day hike with Muscle Powered to the Spring Blinky Man night-time costumed bike pub crawl – this weekend is chock-full of fun for locals and visitors alike, for the young and young-at-heart.

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It’s going to be a chili weekend, and that has nothing to do with the weather. The annual Chili on the Comstock Competition takes over the tiny town of Virginia City, including a saloon crawl Saturday and the hilarious ‘Fun with the Runs’ 5K. Families will have a hard time choosing between the Cops and Kids Open House and Safety Fair at the Sheriff’s Office and the ‘Kids to Parks’ Day activities at Silver Saddle Ranch. Keep reading, and I apologize in advance for throwing so many great options your way.

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Mother’s Day is Sunday, and there will be plenty of ways for the family to enjoy spending time together all weekend long. Treat Mom to some new flowers for the garden at the annual Greenhouse Project Plant Sale. The Nevada State Museum has a day full of cowboy-related activities planned. Head up to Virginia City on the V and T for a memorable ride through the hills. Before you head out on your adventures, remember to leave a donation of non-perishable food by your mailbox for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Read on for all of your options.

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Not a cloud in the sky, and yet we have been hit by a perfect storm: Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Day, and the monthly wine walk have all collided. Let me tell you, downtown is going to be hopping, not to mention the Early Season Farmers Market making its seasonal debut in the parking lot at W. Musser and N. Nevada – just behind Due Sorella. Take the kids down to Bailys Pond at Fuji Park for the annual Tom Brooks Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day. A trip to the train museum comes with the opportunity to ride on the Historic McKeen Motor Car.

Hold onto your hat, Carson City, we’re in for one heck of a weekend. It’ll be cowboy hats and pioneer bonnets in Genoa for Western Heritage Day. Keep an eye out for Mark Twain, plenty of music, and fun for all. Leis are the preferred accessory for Lei Day at the Nevada State Museum where you’ll be treated to Polynesian surprises and free admission. With three local theater groups performing this weekend, you’re sure to find a performance that’s right up your alley. Read on and be prepared to be bombarded with options.

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What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Earth Week than gorgeous weather that you just can’t help but enjoy. Join Muscle Powered and our Parks and Recreation Department at the Silver Saddle Ranch for a presentation and trash mob. Kids will love the Carnival at Bordewich Elementary School, and it helps raise funds for a local Cub Scout Pack. Mark Twain Elementary is hosting their annual Color Run at Mills Park, just make sure to wear a white shirt.

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, we’re in for a busy weekend. Several events over the last few weeks were re-scheduled due to weather: today you’ll find the make-up for The Greenhouse Project's Early Spring Plant Sale and the Carson High Safe Grad 5K Run/Walk. Get your Roller Derby fix with a scrimmage and a Junior Victory Rollers bout against Santa Cruz. The Bob Boldrick Theater at the Community Center is where you’ll find ‘Carson’s Got Talent.' Cheer on your favorite local performer and help raise funds for the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels Program. You’ll have to keep reading, this is just the tip of the fun-time iceberg.

With soggy weather here, some cancellations are inevitable. One thing you can count on, however, is the monthly Downtown Business Association’s wine walk; it’s a rain, shine, or blizzard event. Stay dry and well-fed with the Kiwanis annual BINGO Spaghetti Feed at the Carson Senior Center. The Brewery Arts Center hosts some pretty amazing vocalists for their newest fundraiser, ‘Evening with the Divas.’ Keep reading for even more Carson City, Carson Valley, and Dayton options.
SATURDAY:

Happy Easter Carson City and surrounding towns. Most of today’s happenings are Easter related, with a spattering of reoccurring events. It's opening day for Carson City BMX. It's two-wheeled fun open to all ages, so go see what all the fuss is about. For the adult crowd, the annual Easter Party at Carson Cigar Co. is a relaxing way to avoid the sugar-addled kiddies. Read on for details of today's events.

SUNDAY:

We’ve got a beautiful spring weekend to enjoy. I’d like to make this easy on you: if you are only looking for Easter-related fun, you’ll find it all HERE in my list of everything Easter. Those events are also included in this list, but there is so much more going on. Take a hike with Muscle Powered, get down to some live music, or cheer on your favorite roller derby girl.

Do you ever wonder about that old stone house at the eastern entrance to Mills Park? Called the Wungnema House it has interesting history. Take a tour today during the monthly open house, and learn more about the early residents of Carson City. As a child of the 80s, I’m excited about this week’s Flashback Cinema feature at Galaxy Theaters. "The Dark Chrystal" was a favorite of mine. If you’ve got kids, or a pang of nostalgia, catch one of the two showings today, or again Wednesday. Read on for more of what's happening today.

The weekend has arrived, and it will be an exceptionally long one for the schoolkids of Carson City: spring break begins Monday. There’s a rumor of snowfall for this weekend, but it’s not expected to be too heavy in the valley. Don’t quote me on that, though, I’ve been wrong before. Break a leg to the Douglas students performing in ‘Game of Tiaras’ this weekend; the show sounds hilarious, but be warned, it’s not for kids. For a family friendly outing, check out Story Time with Suzie at the Nevada Railroad Museum, or photos with the Easter Bunny at PetSmart.

SATURDAY:

Okay. This is one of the hardest weekend lists I’ve ever had to do. This dump of snow has cancelled some events, but others are in full force. Best I can tell, St. Patrick’s Day parties are not deterred by a little snowfall. There will be no parade in Virginia City, but the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest is on. Head to downtown Carson for more green beer, Irish music, and corned beef and cabbage than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY: St. Patrick’s Day

This weekend may feel like it goes by a little quicker than usual, and it’s not your imagination. In the wee hours of Sunday morning we spring forward into Daylight Savings Time. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada is teaming up with NDOT and the Head Injury Association of N. NV for a Brain Safety Day and free bicycle helmet giveaway. Join up with our Parks and Recreation Department for a guided walk at Riverview Park. The Experimental Aircraft Association is holding a Young Eagles event today, so if your kid loves airplanes, you won’t want to miss it.

I’m going to apologize right now. I can’t anticipate what this storm system will throw at us, so some of these planned events could get cancelled. One event that is never afraid of Mother Nature is the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. Come rain, shine, or blizzard, you’ll find can sip, stroll, and discover starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Carson Hot Springs aren’t afraid of a little snow, and a special visit from Megan the Mermaid will make the icy hot experience more memorable. Keep reading to see what this slushy weekend has to offer.

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