Eclectic to historical events mark Carson City summer calendar

Carson City's history, arts and culture will be featured throughout the summer with a litany of events and activities to resonate with families and their budgets, according to the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

From authentic Native American powwows and vintage train rides aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, to food and wine expos to recreational activities, ghost walks and farmers markets, Nevada’s capital has an action-packed summer calendar, according to a news release issued by the CCVB.

Ongoing Activities
The city’s rich past comes to life during Ghost Walk Tours, on Saturday, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 20 and Sept. 24. The two-hour walk through the historic district of Carson City invites stories from spirits (that still linger) and come alive. Tickets: 800-NEVADA-1 or email ghostwalkingtour@gmail.com. Tour departs 6:30 p.m.

Farm fresh fruits, vegetables, arts and entertainment are available every Saturday through Sept. 17 at the 3rd & Curry Street Farmers Market. The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is a local growers’ market, featuring fresh produce from Nevada Certified Farmers Market growers. Mills Park also hosts a farmers market every Wednesday at the Pavilion, from 3 – 7 p.m., contact Shirley at (775) 746-5024 for information.

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad’s 2011 season begins May 27 with round trip and one-way excursions along the historic 14-mile Comstock route between Carson City and Virginia City. The routes include scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada and Carson River. Riders will pass through two tunnels and by abandoned mine shafts and old cemeteries, while being treated to occasional sightings of Nevada’s wild mustangs. The V&T travels the same silver path paved by the excesses of the Virginia City mines of the 1860s Comstock silver boom. Email cccvb@visitcarsoncity.com or call 1-800-NEVADA-1 for details.

Special Events
The all new Carson City Rendezvous at Mills Park has a fresh look and attractions, Friday through Sunday, June 10 – 12. This year’s event pays tribute to the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s presidential inauguration. On opening day, spectators can witness a reenactment of the historic swearing in of the nation’s 16th president. The Rendezvous provides an authentic Nevada living history weekend with Mountain Man encampments, Civil War skirmishes and more. For more information call (775) 687-7410 or (800) 638-2321.

For a free sample of the area’s heritage and pride, the Stewart Father’s Day Powwow at the former Stewart Indian School in Carson City, June 17 – 19 features competition dancing, food booths, authentic American Indian jewelry, quality artists and craft vendors and drum groups. Call (775) 687-8333.

For a real flavor of the town, join locals and visitors at the 18th Annual Taste of Downtown, Saturday, June 18, benefitting Advocates Against Domestic Violence. The event features more than 25 restaurants, wine bistros, pubs and more covering 11 city blocks. Live bands at various locations ward off food comas and keep the atmosphere lively. Tasting runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and music continues until 11 p.m. For tickets and more information: (775) 883-7654.

Mills Park is the place to celebrate Independence Day in Carson City. The Retired Senior and Volunteer Program’s (RSVP) Fourth of July Celebration, July 1 – 4 offers major carnival rides, games and concessions, arts, crafts, novelties and an assortment of food vendors. A fireworks show will be over the park at dusk on July 4.

Get your motor running and rev the engines high on Friday through Sunday, Aug. 5 – 7, with the annual Silver Dollar Car Classic Car Show. Open to all makes, models and years this show provide good times and great oldies, with plenty of food, music and awards all weekend. For registration form or more information: (775) 687-7410 or (800) 638-2321.

With the price of silver, gold and rare-struck coins going to Pluto the past year, the Carson City Mint Coin Show has become a favorite for collectors worldwide. Hosted at the Nevada State Museum, this show runs Saturday and Sunday Aug. 26 – 27 and features 30 dealers, free appraisals, raffle prizes, jazz, gold panning and a kid's treasure chest. See Coin Press No. 1, Carson City’s original working press, in operation and get a commemorative medallion. Admission is $8 adults, with children 17 an under and museum members free. Call (775) 687-4810 x237.

The Divine 9, nine courses that represent the best golf between Lake Tahoe and Reno, provide a variety of challenges and easy-on-the-wallet green fees and lodging packages for visitors. With more than 70,000 yards of spectacular golf terrain, the courses have earned a reputation as being affordable, challenging and rewarding among golf enthusiasts worldwide. To enjoy each course, The Divine 9 offers its “Ticket to Paradise,” golf all nine properties for just $265, a 50 percent savings. www.DivineNine.com.

A world of culture, history, dining and adventure await in Carson City. For the latest in summer travel deals, lodging, activity information and further details on the destination, visit www.VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1.