Things to do

USA Today readers, who in recent years have picked Tahoe as America's favorite lake and ski destination, now have Carson City as an option to choose in a contest to find the best travel worthy state capital.

Now through Jan. 5, 2015, readers can pick their favorite state capital city destination by casting a vote. Each week USA Today online asks readers to help pick the "10 Best" in a single category which can range from food, lodging and destinations to travel gear and things to do. Travel experts select the 20 top nominees and then readers like you make the final selections.

Homecoming week 2014 at Carson High School said its last goodbye late last Saturday night. The week included bonfires, dances, football, royalty, flash mobs and just about everything in between.

UPDATE: Yogi Berra may have said, “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore,” but at the 2014 Carson City Mint Coin Show and Fair, the value is in the eye of the beholder. Sharp skilled dealers will buy, sell, trade and offer their expertise with free appraisals during the two-day event today, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23. Held this year at both the Nevada State Museum and the Carson Nugget, the fair includes activities for children, prize drawings, lectures, coin sales and free appraisals with admission.

UPDATE: Thursday at 11 a.m., the Wells Fargo coach will be delivering Governor Brian Sandoval, Carson City Mayor Robert Crowell and Wells Fargo Regional Manager Chad Osorno and Wells Fargo Northern Nevada Area Manager Sean French to Fuji Park in south Carson City to preside over the official opening and ribbon cutting of Carson City’s contribution to the NV150 Anniversary event, the NV150Fair.

The NV150Fair will feature over 90 4-H and Future Farmers of America kids from around the region showcasing their animals and farm knowledge.

Looking for some new singletrack to ride? Just south of Carson City is the new Clear Creek Trail! The Clear Creek Trail is almost 10.5 miles long, is open to hikers, mountain bikes, equestrians and dogs, has no exit, and is currently 21-miles round-trip.

Carson Canine Adventures (CCA) will be holding our annual Open House this coming Sunday, Feb. 16, from Noon until 4pm. We have added a new photographer that will be here to takes pictures.

Dogs are welcome (on leash) and people will have a chance to meet the trainers and find out more information on how they can get involved in the many fun things to do with our “best friends.”

Lone Mountain Veterinary will be there to answer health and nutrition questions. Information on Therapy Dogs Inc, Dog Scouts of America, First Aid for your pet, and local rescue agencies too.

"Yes, Virginia the Musical" an exciting new holiday classic based on the Macy’s and NBC Holiday special of the same name and produced by Youth Theatre Carson City runs this weekend.

The show offers three performances, Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Bob Boldrick Theatre at the Carson City Community Center. "Yes, Virginia the Musical" is a brand-new musical that has been adapted specifically for children and families by Macy’s, in partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Youth Theatre Carson City is thrilled to announce our upcoming production of "Yes, Virginia: The Musical" an exciting new holiday classic based on the Macy’s and NBC Holiday special of the same name.

The show will run three performances, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Bob Boldrick Theatre at the Carson City Community Center. "Yes, Virginia: The Musical" is a brand-new musical that has been adapted specifically for children and families by Macy’s, in partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Who doesn't like to collect money? Whether it is a rare Double Eagle $20 piece from the 1800s, an Indian Head Penny or a Nevada Day special medallion, the Carson City Mint Coin Show and Fair will help fill the hole in any coin collection.

Dozens of dealers will buy, sell, trade and offer their expertise with free appraisals during the two-day event Aug. 23 and 24, held this year at both the Nevada State Museum and the Carson Nugget.

Last week, Elaine and her Mom spent five days enjoying all kinds of fun things to do in San Diego, Calif., on their once-a-year Mother-Daughter outing.

They flew roundtrip from Reno to San Diego with some great internet discount tickets from Southwest Airlines.
Then at the airport, the hotel shuttle picked them up and took the two of them to the Wyndham Hotel, which is located on the edge of the harbor.

On March 14th I attended a workshop presented by the Carson City Public Works Department. The presentation outlined a proposal to create a pedestrian-friendly environment on Carson Street through the downtown area of Carson City between Fifth Street and Ann Street. This Road Diet, as they are commonly called, would include using striping to reduce travel lanes from four to two, and add on-street parallel parking.

The City of Reno seems to be dropping the ball when it comes to adhering to their side of the agreement with the owners of the Reno Aces.

In a letter dated November 28th 2012 written to the Mayor of Reno Robert Cashell from the President of Triple-A Baseball Branch E. Rickey, President Rickey tells a damning story of what Reno has failed to do to. This letter has given permission to the owners of the Aces to relocate if the City of Reno fails to come to an agreement on a refinancing deal for Aces Ballpark.

About a year ago, a few of us participated in the making of a promotional video for Carson City. Our segment was to promote our city’s recreational trails, so Ash Canyon was selected for the location. For about an hour, we all pedaled up and down the dirt road, and back and forth on the trails. Nearly two seconds of the footage made it to the final cut.

Get ready to laugh! Wednesday Night Comedy begins at the Carson Nugget starting July 25, 2012 at 7 PM in the Show Lounge.

Chris Strait kicks off the Wednesday night events. He is an expert on people and reminds us how funny life can be. You may have seen him on E! or Tru-TV’s, “The Smoking Gun.”

Seating is limited. There is no cover; however, there is a two drink minimum.

Wednesday Comedy Night Schedule
7/25 - Chris Strait / Alyssa Cowan
8/1 - Kelly Monteith / Drake Nelson
8/8 - Morgan Preston / James Hennigan
8/15 - Tyler Boeh / John Ager

Proscenium Players is holding open auditions for their May production at the Brewery Arts Center of “Twelve Angry Men” directed by Jeff Fast and produced by Jonni Moon.

Spent some time skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort the other day and the snow was fine, though pretty hard at 9 a.m. but softening as the sun at Lake Tahoe came into play. Couldn't help noticing how many skiers are still using the old rotary shoulder turn yet skiing on modern, shaped skis. That's a waste of energy.
On shaped skis keep the body facing down the fall line, letting the edges do the turn. That's what today's skis are all about. The deep sidecut makes the skis turn when you put the edges in. Gotta keep the hands out front, which incidentally is crucial in avoiding ACL injury.

Sometimes watching a dreck movie and enjoying it can be embarrassing. Such is the case with "New Year's Eve," a multifaceted comedy of sorts playing at the Fandango Galaxy cinema in Carson City. The cast is all-star, from Hilary Swank to Robert De Niro. And while the film is pure twaddle, director Gary Marshall keeps all the balls in the air. And he should be able to; he made the same movie last year on a Valentine's Day theme.

PRESS RELASE — Is 35 minutes of travel time worth up to $100 in value-added savings at South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe lodging providers are offering value-added deals to make the time pass more quickly as a detour for Highway 50 over Echo Summit will divert traffic for about two weeks.

Carson High School officials and authorities continue to investigate rumors that surfaced among students earlier today of a planned shooting to take place on campus.

The Carson High School campus was on locked down shortly after noon today because the rumors had come from multiple students, authorities said. Released from school at the end of the day, students described the situation as confusing and frightening because they weren't told why they were forced into their classrooms with the doors locked.

Among the many things to do on Father's Day was for the kids to take dad (or vice versa) to the train museum.

Celia Slattery will offer a musical theater workshop Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Brewery in Carson City. She will follow that Saturday night at 7;30 p.m.