Nevada State Fair returns and brings the Rendevous with it

The Nevada State Fair returns to Carson City Thursday, June 9 and will occupy Mills Park until Sunday, June 12. Free to attend, the Fair features live music, carnival rides, a car show, County exhibits, civil war reenactments, and more. Free parking can be found at Carson High School.

Join Governor Sandoval and other local dignitaries at the opening ceremony Thursday at 1 p.m. The Nevada National Guard Joint Forces Color Guard will present the flag. We’ll hear Paige Adkins sing the National Anthem. Opening remarks by Governor Sandoval and Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson will precede the ribbon cutting.

Thursday also sees the beginning of registration for the Nevada State Fair Car Show with Freaks of Nature at the Pavilion. A street dance at the pavilion kicks off at 8 p.m. Friday night, and the car show will begin 11 a.m. Saturday. Don’t miss the award ceremony Sunday at 12 p.m. to see if your favorite vehicle is a winner.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, the main stage will see a plethora of performers including Suspect Terrane, Rick Radecki, the Sierra Silverstrings, We Rock Kids, Xing Bridges, and Athena McIntyre. Friday and Saturday performances begin at noon, Sunday kicks off with Stella’s Dance Group at 11:30 a.m. Go HERE for a complete list of performers and time slots.

The Carson Rendezvous used to be a staple in the community, and has been greatly missed in these last few years. Now, thanks to the Nevada State Fair, it has returned. Enjoy Civil War battle re-enactments with gunfighters, horses and the Cavalry. Stroll through the Mountain-man encampment or enjoy American Indian dancing and crafts. Artillery Demonstrations, a Civil War Skirmish Show, a Nevada Gun Fighters Show, and more will occur throughout the event.

Carnival hours run 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. all four days of the fair. You will find not only rides, but food and games too. Individual ride tickets are available, in addition to an all-you-can-ride wristband for $30. Advance purchase wristbands are available for $18 HERE. Get yours now.

Celebrate with the Nevada State Fair aboard the V&T Railway's vintage steam train. Indulge and relax aboard the “Wild West Wine Run" with a glass of wine, snacks and beautiful river canyon views with special guests - Naughty Tea Mistresses of Nevada. Tickets are limited, so go HERE to purchase now before they are sold out.

No fair is complete without some contests. Enjoy the submissions in Arts/Crafts/Woodworking, Baked Goods/Cakes/Confections, Photography, Preserved Foods, Sewing/Knitting/Crocheting/Quilts. One winner for each division and one "Best Overall" will be chosen by public ballot box. Winners will be announced on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

The Nevada State Fair is proud to showcase exhibits from each participating county from our great state of Nevada. The Nevada State Fair committee met with the 4H and UNR Extension leaders to expand and include additional Agriculture and Livestock functions to the Nevada State Fair in 2017, and has already secured Fuji Park for that purpose next year.

The Nevada State Fair was originally founded in 1874 and had been Nevada’s longest running event. The Board of Directors for the Nevada State Fair met on Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 and decided to close, ending a 136 year run (1874-2010). In August of 2013 a completely new Nevada state non-profit company was formed to continue the legacy. With collaborative efforts from both state and private sectors, the Nevada State Fair is welcomed back and is pleased to be held in Carson City.