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Fourth of July fireworks, parades, celebrations and more in Carson City and beyond

Event Date: 
July 4, 2023 (All day)

Independence Day is Tuesday, so if you’re looking for some fun celebrations in Northern Nevada, look no more. Here's several options for family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Carson City
Public reading of Declaration of Independence at Nevada State Museum in Carson City

The Battle Born Patriots Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is once again hosting the Reading of the Declaration of Independence and Liberty Bell Ringing at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m.

The public is invited to this free, family-friendly event. This year promises to be fun and interesting. The Douglas High School Tiger Battalion JROTC Color Guard will post the colors, supported by the BBP Color Guard.
There will also be a performance by their Bagpiper. American Heritage Partners will offer coffee and doughnuts. Seating is limited in the courtyard area at the museum, so you may want to bring a folding chair to use.

Max Casino in Carson City hosts July 4 hot dog eating championship

On July 4, Max Casino Carson City will host its inaugural Hot Dog Eating Championship. Six contestants will go bun-to-bun to see who can eat 10 hot dogs the fastest in 10 minutes.

30th annual RSVP Fourth of July Fireworks scheduled at Mills Park in Carson City

The fireworks are back this year thanks to the Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program, and this year will mark the 30th anniversary of Fourth of July Fireworks at Mills Park in Carson City. Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. at Mills Park, which is located at 1111 E. William Street in Carson City.

The city of Carson City and Carson City Toyota are helping to sponsor the event this year, which can only take place thanks to donations from the community, and is free for all.

Genoa

Genoa Americana Celebration

The Genoa Americana Celebration at the Mormon Station State Historic Park is back with the Children’s & Pet Parade beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by live music, games, water activities, and more. This celebration is free and open to the public.

Gardnerville

Freedom 5K Run for the Wreath Fun Run & Walk

The Annual Freedom 5K Run for the Wreath Fun Run is back at Heritage Park. There will also be the annual Carson Valley Pops in the Park Patriotic concert presented at 11 a.m. Pre-Registration Fees for runners 10 and under is free, 11 and up is $25 and runners that are military or veterans is $20.

Virginia City

Fourth of July Fireworks Watch Party at the Fourth Ward School Museum

At the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Tickets are limited to 30 people and are $70 general admission and $50 for Museum Members.

Celebrate an Intimate Fourth of July spectacular in Virginia City

Celebrate the holiday in an elegant, one-of-a-kind majestic and historic setting with arguably the most spectacular view of the Virginia City fireworks show.

Celebrate July 4th with a Star-Spangled Murder Mystery aboard the Virginia Truckee Railroad

All aboard the Star-Spangled Murder Mystery Train for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Enjoy libations and appetizers served on board the train while a live murder mystery show is played out during your round trip from the historic Virginia City Depot to Gold Hill and back. 

South Lake Tahoe

Fourth of July Fireworks return to south shore, drones to north shore in Lake Tahoe

Fireworks are returning to South Lake Tahoe on the 4th of July. The popular Lights on the Lake show hosted by the Tahoe Douglas Visitor's Authority will start at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks will be launched off barges on Lake Tahoe near Edgewood Tahoe

Incline Village

Incline Village Crystal Bay Sky Show

At the Incline Village Ridgeline Ball Fields from 7 p.m. till 10:30 p.m, there will be music, activities, trivia, food and a laser and drone show at 9:30 p.m. The event is free, but donations are welcomed.

Fernley
The Fernley 4th of July has been going on for over 50 years celebrating the the old fashioned way with a pancake breakfast sponsored by Fernley Masonic Lodge #34, proudly serving Fernley for 100 years; a Parade down Main Street followed by a day and evening full of fun at the Out of Town Park. And of course, the 4th of July would not be complete without a great Fireworks show! this year's theme is "Fernley Looking Forward." Go here for a complete lineup and activities and events.

Reno

Great American Craft Fair & Parade

Reno hosts a parade down Riverside Dr. by the Truckee River for a free, all day long Independence Day celebration with live music, food and arts and crafts. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.

Reno Aces Game

The Reno Aces will play the Tacoma Rainiers at the Greater Nevada Field on July 4 at 6:35 p.m. This is a ticketed event, prices depending on seats. There will also be fireworks after the game finishes.

The Reno 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest

A new annual hot dog eating contest will take place at noon on July 4 at Vistro. Registration is free but required to compete. Spectating is free for this event.

Sparks

Star-Spangled Sparks Celebration and Fireworks

This event is free to all and will take place in the Victorian Square. The celebration will be from 4pm – 10pm, with fireworks at around 9:30, if weather is permitting.

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Join the Senator Youth Football Camp for K-8th graders. $80 covers 3-nights of camp from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 17, 18, and 19. Led by the CHS high school coaches and players, children will learn techniques for all positions, play games, and compete.

Carson High School Wrestling invites you to our annual Golf Tournament on June 15th, 2024, at Silver Oak Golf Course in Carson City. This event is crucial for our program's success as it serves as our main fundraiser.

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Reminder: Wednesday, May 15, will be Minimum / Early Release Days for all schools in the Carson City School District. Educators utilize this time for professional learning while students have the remainder of the day off.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.

Are you ready for a unique summer camp experience, designed exclusively for adults? Sierra Nevada Journeys has just the thing! This perfect unwinding weekend awaits you, with no responsibilities other than showing up with your friends.

Join us from August 16 - 18, 2024, for a weekend in the mountains, free from all of those responsibilities.

With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.