I Love Carson City’s Weekend Event Summary: May 7-8

I am not even going to attempt guessing what weather we have in store. The west side of the Sierras are notoriously unpredictable. You are much better off betting on the Kentucky Derby; and the Firkin and Fox is just the place to cheer on your favorite horse. Trains have returned to the track at the Nevada Railroad Museum, but if you’re looking for a wilder ride, the RSVP Spring Carnival at Mills Park is full of thrills.

SATURDAY: Kentucky Derby Day

• Carson City Historic Resources Scavenger Hunt: go here for packet and info - http://carson.org/index.aspx?page=2542
• Tom Brooks Memorial Kid's Fishing Day at Baily Fishing Pond at Fuji Park: enter between Rodeo Grounds and Fuji Park (8am-1pm; kids over 12 need a valid fishing license; Bring your fishing gear, bait and hooks provided; hosted by Carson City Host Lions Club)
• Greenhouse Project Annual Spring Plant Sale; Live Music with Hick’ry Switch at the Carson High Greenhouse: 1111 Saliman, off Robinson –behind the school buses (8am-1pm)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bill Migan and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Rescheduled due to Weather: 16th Annual Big Mama's Show and Shine Car Show at Lampe Park Pavilion: 1325 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville (registration/check-in 8am-10am, event 10am-2pm, awards 3pm-4pm; entry fee $50 day of show; fundraiser for Douglas Co. Meals on Wheels program)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)

April showers brought us a multitude of May flowers and yummy food. The Spring Plant Sale at the Greenhouse Project behind Carson High will get your garden off to a good start. Head to the first of the season Spring Farmers Market at Musser and Nevada.

• Opening Day: Downtown Carson Spring Farmers Market – corner of Musser and N. Nevada St, behind Due Sorella (9am-1pm)
• Third Annual Nevada Police Memorial Ride –start at the Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial at the Capitol and continue to Virginia City (9am registration and staging; $30, please bring exact change; All paid riders also receive lunch at Miner's Park)
• Carson City Elks Lodge Stroke for Scholars Golf Tournament at Silver Oak Golf Course (9am shotgun start; $60; four person scramble includes lunch, contests, raffles, and games)
• V and T Mother’s Day Train –leaves from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am- Depart Virginia City 3pm; tickets limited, $41, seniors and veterans $38, kids 3-16 $25)
• Virginia and Truckee McKeen Motor Car Rides at the Nevada State Train Museum (10am-4pm; $8, $4 kids 11 and under)
• 22 is 22 Too Many: WNC Veterans Suicide Awareness March: begin at Bully’s Sports Bar, 1.5 mile walk continues up College Parkway to Western Nevada College (10am-1pm)
• Family Day; Young Chautauquans will perform at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (doors 10:30am, program 11am-2pm; free admission)
• Spring Has Sprung Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• Mother’s Day Arts and Craft Fair at the Carson Mall (10am-6pm)
• Monthly meeting of F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) in the back room at Comma Coffee (10:30am)
• Cancelled this week: Swim Class for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Carson City Aquatic Facility (11am; $4)
• WARF Cat and Kitten Adoption Event at Petco on Topsy Lane (11am-4pm; all cats are fixed, vaccinated and micro-chipped)

Mills Park is packed with family fun. Express yourself at the Empty Bowls booth at the carnival: they have 50 bowls to paint. The rides, funnel cakes, games, and more are part of the Spring Carnival hosted by RSVP. Cheer on our local Roller Derby girls battle it out during a double header against the Sac City Rollers at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion.

• ‘Salute to Spring’ Spring Celebration and Carnival featuring a ‘Days of Service’ event (1pm-5pm) at Mills Park (12pm-10pm; $30 all you can ride wristbands or $25 with coupon from RSVP booth)
• Scatter’s Attic: a sale of donated collectibles and household goods at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park: 1450 Hwy 88, Minden (12pm-2pm; cash and check only)
• Kentucky Derby Party at the Firkin and Fox (12pm; $15 Includes: Mint Julep in Collector Copper Cup- while supplies last; Corn on the Cob Eating Contest at 1pm, Derby Hat Contest)
• Local Vendor Roadshow at Raley’s Grocery (12pm-4pm; featuring locally made food from Hidden Valley Honey, Killer Salsa, Blind Dog Coffee, Nature’s Bakery and much more)
• Days of Service Event including Empty Bowls Bowl Painting, FISH Canned Food Drive, and more at the RSVP Carnival at Mills Park (1pm-5pm)
• Downtown Business Association's Wine Walk: sign up at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jacks, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Remedy's Bar, Touched By Angels, Comma Coffee, or the Brewery Arts Center Artisan Store (1pm-5pm, raffle at 5pm in the Carson Nugget Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar; $15)
• Book-signing by Author Ken Beaton at Morley’s Books: 201 W. King St. (1pm-5pm)
• Shadow and Light Photography Show at the Nevada Day Store (1pm-4pm)

The young fisher in the family will want to join the Tom Brooks Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day at Fuji Park. Nature lovers can learn about local wildlife at Dayton State Park.

• Love on a Leash: read to a therapy dog and receive a free book at the Carson City Library (1pm; ages 17 and younger)
• ‘What Big Ears You Have!’ Animal Adaptations Family Program at Dayton State Park (1pm, please arrive 10 minutes early; $7 per vehicle, $5 for NV residents)
• Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstrations and Pioneer Stories at the Mormon Station State Historic Park, Genoa (1pm-3pm)
• Mother’s Day Special: Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (1pm-4pm; $35; includes a rose and champagne)
• Third Annual Bloody Mary Contest at Remedy's: 306 E. Williams St. (2pm; $20 day of registration; no pre-made store bought mixes allowed; bloodies must be made from scratch, Basic supplies will be provided; prizes for first, second, and third place, most original, and best presentation)
• Painting Class at Van Gogh and Vino (1:30pm-4pm; $30 per painter)
• City Wide Short Film Competition Viewing and Judging in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (3:30pm viewing of 16 and younger films, 6:30pm viewing of 17 and older films; $5 for both viewings)

Talent abounds in our valley. Western Nevada Musical Theater Co. presents ‘42nd Street’ at the Community Center. Film makers debut their entries in the City Wide Short Film Competition at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall beginning at 3:30 p.m.

• Roller Derby Double Header: Carson Victory Rollers vs. the Sac City Rollers at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park (doors 3pm, Jr bout 4pm vs the Jailhouse Brats, Adults 6pm vs the Folsom City Bruisers; Tickets $10 at the door, Kids 10 and under free; DJ, halftime show, raffles, vendors and more)
• Suds for Seniors Fundraiser at the Firkin and Fox OR the Feisty Goat Pub: 1881 E. Long St. (4pm-10am; $15 to sample five beers; benefits the Meals on Wheels program; Tickets also available at the Carson Visitor Center and are good through June 30)
• Live Music with Catfish Carl at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Tom Miller at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: 1500 Old Hot Springs Rd. (6pm)
• Live Music at Bella Fiore Wine (6pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Brian Lester at J’s Bistro, Dayton (6pm; Reservations recommended 775-246-4400)
• Sold Out: Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (6:30pm-9:30pm; $40; includes free Cocktail/Beer/Wine/Soft Drink with each signup)
• Live Music with Terri Campillo and Craig Fletcher at Glen Eagles Restaurant (6:30pm-10:30pm)
• Haunted Experience Ghost Tour – Sign up at the Westside Pour House (register 7pm, 8pm start, $20; book signing by Janice Oberdine 7pm-9pm)
• Swinging Over to the Country Side with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club at the Ormsby Club: 600 S. Curry (7pm-8pm country swing lessons, 8pm-11pm open dance; $10 donation; Special Guest Instructor and DJ Cowboy Bobby Truesdale)
• Vintage Swing and Blues with Clay and Cullen at Yaple’s Ballroom: 315 N. Carson St. (6:30pm Doors open and practice, 7pm Jitterbug lesson with Social Dancing 8pm-10pm, $10 for the night)
• Live Music: CW Bayer and Dr. Spitmore in the A to Zen ‘Zen Den’: 1803 N. Carson St. (6pm doors; 7pm start; $5 cover, you get $5 store credit)
• Star Party at Western Nevada College’s Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave (7pm-10:30pm; free; weather permitting -NOT open if it is snowing and/or there is snow on the roads)
• Live Music with Pearl Sky at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• Painting Class at Van Gogh and Vino (7pm-9:30pm; $30 per painter)

Laugh it up at the Comedy Showcase at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Dance the night away at the Ormsby Club as the High Sierra Swing Dance Club goes country with DJ Cowboy Bobby. Or check out some vintage swing and blues at Yaple’s Ballroom.

• Western Nevada Musical Theatre Presents “42nd Street” at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center (7:30pm; $25-28, tickets available online at www.wnmtc.com)
• Live Music with Southbound Train at the Ponderosa Saloon, Virginia City (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with the Trippin King Snakes at the Carson Nugget Sports Bar (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with Tony Vee at Max Casino: formerly the Carson Station (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with Monique and the Moonlighters at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• Rock’n N Bowl’n at Gold Dust West (8pm)
• Karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill (8pm)
• Karaoke at Westside Pour House (9pm)
• Dancing with DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (9pm)
• Comedy Showcase featuring Jim Fleming, John Ager, Drake Nelson, and Ethan Pickett at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: 1500 Old Hot Springs Rd. (9pm; $5 cover)
• DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am)

Much love to the Mothers in our valley, and those that we love like Mothers. Treat that special lady to a day at the Carson Hot Springs. She gets to ride free with a child at the RSVP Spring Carnival. Travel to Virginia City and back on the historic Virginia and Truckee Steam Train. Brunch, bingo, and BMX racing are just a few of the other things that Sunday has to offer.

SUNDAY: Mother’s Day

• Carson City Historic Resources Scavenger Hunt begins: go here for packet and info - http://carson.org/index.aspx?page=2542
• Free Swim Day for Mothers at Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pool only)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bill Migan and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• CC BMX Racing with a special Mother’s Day Race at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (signups 9am-10am; $10, must be USABMX member; new rider kits available)
• Breakfast and Bowl at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm; breakfast and unlimited bowling until noon $13, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (9am-12pm; $7 per person)
• Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at the Elks Lodge: 515 N. Nevada St. (9:30am-1pm; $12, seating limited; tickets available after 4pm Mon-Sat and during the Wine Walk)
• V and T Mother’s Day Train –leaves from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am- Depart Virginia City 3pm; tickets limited, $41, seniors and veterans $38, kids 3-16 $25)
• Virginia and Truckee McKeen Motor Car Rides at the Nevada State Train Museum (10am-4pm; $8, $4 kids 11 and under)
• Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at the Carson City Senior Center (doors 11am; 12:30pm start; $10 buy in, $5 extra pack, $1 specials; Must be 21+)
• ‘Salute to Spring’ RSVP Spring Celebration and Carnival at Mills Park (12pm-8pm; Mom rides free with a paid child; $30 all you can ride wristbands or $25 with coupon from RSVP booth)
• Barony of FalDare, Amtgard Live Action Role Play Group at Nerdvana: NEW LOCATION 3220 Hwy 50, Suite #2 (12pm-4pm; Foam sword fighting, crafts, classes; child-friendly, under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parents; newcomers welcome, for info email FalDareMonarchy@gmail.com)
• Mother’s Day Special: Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (1pm-4pm; $35; includes a rose and champagne)
• Special Olympics Track and Field practice at Carson Middle School (1pm-3pm)
• Western Nevada Musical Theatre Presents “42nd Street” at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center (2pm; $25-28, tickets available online at www.wnmtc.com)
• Sunday Funday: Free game of pool with drink purchase at Westside Pour House
• Weekly Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• Live Music with George Pickard at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• Nerdvana After Hours at Nerdvana: 3220 Hwy 50, Suite #2 (9pm; must be 18+)

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.