• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Independence Day in the Capital City: Fireworks, hot dog contest and more

Hot dogs, fireworks, cooling off at the lake: it’s nearly Independence Day, and here’s how we’re celebrating in Carson City!

As a reminder, the fireworks will not be set off from the area surrounding Mills Park.

This year, the fireworks show will be set off from the Eagle Valley Golf Course near Highway 50 E.

However, if you and your family still want to keep your Mills Park viewing, it is highly likely you will still be able to see the fireworks from the park according to the city and RSVP, the sponsor of the show.

There are a few options to see the show closer: RSVP, who puts on the show each year as their annual fundraiser to support seniors in our region, is offering a ticketed VIP dinner and fireworks viewing from the golf course.

For those who want a bit more activity, they are hosting a golf tournament earlier in the day which will include the dinner and VIP viewing tickets.

The lower fields at Centennial Park will also be opened to the public for free viewing.

To purchase tickets for the dinner and VIP viewing, click here. Tickets are currently sold out. We will update if more become available.

To purchase tickets for the golf tournament, which includes dinner and VIP viewing as well, click here. Tickets are currently sold out. We will update if more become available.

The park will open at 7 p.m. and there is limited parking available at the park, so families should plan ahead and carpool if at all possible. See the map for parking and access road information.

Trailers, RVS and camping along with open flames and glass bottles are prohibited at Centennial Park. While you may want to include the whole family for the viewing, please leave furry friends at home; pets are also not allowed at the show.

No parking is allowed within the fallout zone and along Centennial Park Drive for public safety.

Elsewhere, Max Casino will also be hosting a hot dog eating contest with a $1,000 prize to the winner. More on that here.

Classic Americana Celebration returns to Genoa July 4 with pet parade, bluegrass, barbecue

The annual Fourth of July Americana Celebration will be happening in Genoa again this year, bringing a classic tradition to Mormon State Park.

Each year, attendees beat the heat beneath the shade trees at the park while listening to live music, watching the kids play and more. You can begin setting up your picnic location at 8 a.m. The fun begins with the annual Children’s and Pet Parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by face painting from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., and chicken dinners served up from the Genoa Fire Department beginning at 11 a.m.

The front porch band plays at 11:30 a.m., followed by Moxy Ruckus at 1:15 p.m. Finally, the Carson City Symphony will play at 3:45 p.m. The celebration continues through 5:15 p.m.

There will also be old time children’s games throughout the day, including water games so be sure to bring a towel for the kiddos. A bluegrass and old time music jamming area will be rocking, so be sure to bring an instrument or two to join in!

Family activities are scheduled throughout the week around Carson City. Go here for a list of family friendly activities.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

After Tahoe’s celebrated July 4 festivities, our beaches and surrounding areas can become covered with trash, endangering wildlife and the Lake’s clarity.

Great News for Tennis Players in Carson City and surrounding areas!
Parks Recreation and Open Space has approved funding for the renovation of the tennis courts at Centennial Park.

Justin Mills, 53, was arrested by Carson City deputies Tuesday morning following a suspicious vehicle stop conducted by Lyon County deputies.

The Nevada State Museum is celebrating the 110th anniversary of the launching of the U.S.S. Nevada (BB-36) battleship this month and historic Coin Press No. 1 will be minting the U.S.S. Nevada commemorative medallion in honor of the storied and distinguished U.S. Navy vessel every Saturday in July.

Chautauquas of Titanic survivor Violet Jessop, and Carson City teacher Hannah Clapp, as well as a talk on the 1960 Winter Olympics are featured as the first events of July, during the Dangberg Summer Festival.

A new sushi restaurant, Ganbaru Sushi, is coming to Topsy Lane according to signage posted in their window.

Our Carson City Pet of the Week is Jazzlyn.

Join us for a night in a vibrant 1800s newspaper scene that helped shape Virginia City's rich history & lore!

Imagine a night filled with the lively spirit of Mark Twain and Dan DeQuille, legendary journalists who brought Virginia City's stories to life...

UPDATE 9:38PM: The fire on East Long Street was on the back patio of a two-story four-plex, according to Carson City Fire Department Battalion Chief Jon Pedrini. Damage was contained to the exterior patio and siding. There were no injuries. Three occupants were displaced.

When firefighters arrived, a neighbor and Carson City Sheriff's deputies had used garden hoses and fire extinguishers to knock much of it out, said Pedrini. The cause is under investigation.

MINDEN, Nev. — Austin's House, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter for children in the northern Nevada region and beyond, is in the final weeks of ticket sales for its annual fundraising gala. Previously known as "Denim and Diamonds," the event has been renamed "Boots and Bling" and will be held at the Twisting T-Bar Ranch in Gardnerville on July 20. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division and other law enforcement agencies participating in Joining Forces will combine resources, which began Monday and will continue through July 20, 2024, to apprehend impaired drivers.

Creativity and talent abound from Western Nevada College’s art students in the Capital City Arts Initiative’s "Fresh Outlook 2024" exhibition.

The Nevada Highway Patrol recognized its 75th anniversary on Monday, July 1, commemorating a legacy of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Nevada’s roadways.

Terri Snyder, a dedicated fitness instructor, has decided to hang up her sports shoes after nearly four decades of teaching at the Carson City Community Center. Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment, resilience and a passion for health and wellness.

Western Nevada College’s Tech Center, which has been on Carson High School property since it was built in 2000, will finally be transferred to the high school.

Improve flexibility, build physical strength, and increase energy with Ashtanga Yoga taught by Ruth Chan, on Tuesdays from 11:30 to 12:30Pm. The weekly class is $5.00 per class or $40 for 10 classes and will be in the Nevada Room at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive. RSVP’s for the event are not necessary – just show up. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

Dance the night away with live music with Don and Nadine on Saturday, July 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Dances are held the 1st Saturday of each month and is open to all ages. The dance is at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive, in the Sagebrush Dining Room. RSVPs for the event are not necessary. Call the Senior Center for more information (775) 883-0703.

The annual Fourth of July Americana Celebration will be happening in Genoa again this year, bringing a classic tradition to Mormon State Park.

Each year, attendees beat the heat beneath the shade trees at the park while listening to live music, watching the kids play and more.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is gearing up for our most popular holiday weekend, the Fourth of July. Tahoe is a cherished place, welcoming to all responsible recreationists of diverse backgrounds, and it is essential that Tahoe visitors and residents alike take care of this spectacular place to protect Tahoe’s environment and improve the Tahoe experience for all.

Join us Saturday, July 20 for a day of free live music and art at the Silver Pavilion Stage in the Silver City Park, 12 to 6 p.m.

Live music features include Drinking with Clowns, The Gary Wheeler Band, Darren Senn, Betty & James and The Fourth Generation! Plus a hula hoop workshop, art show, artisan vendors, tacos, a bar, dessert raffle (oh those Comstock bakers!), community garden tours, dancing and more. The Silver Pavilion Stage is at 385 High Street in Silver City.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this first week of July? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Mountain Area Preservation reached a settlement agreement this week over a lawsuit brought by MAP against affordable housing policies approved by the TRPA Governing Board in December 2023. The litigation sought to block new land use policies in the highly protected Lake Tahoe Region that combined incentives for water quality, transportation, and workforce housing improvements, according to TRPA.

St. Mary's Art Center, a nonprofit organization located in the former 1876 St. Mary Louise Hospital in historic Virginia City, hosts local published author, Martin A. David, in a creative writing workshop, “You Can Write”. The five-class series occurs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon beginning July 11 and ending August 8.

A 30-year-old woman as arrested Friday for suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly pointing a gun at her husband during an argument over cell phone messages, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Before Nevada voters passed Question 2 in 2022, Nevada operated under a two-tier minimum wage system that allowed an employee to be paid a lower minimum wage if an employer offered qualified health benefits.

Hot dogs, fireworks, cooling off at the lake: it’s nearly Independence Day, and here’s how we’re celebrating in Carson City!

As a reminder, the fireworks will not be set off from the area surrounding Mills Park.

Do you love hot dogs? Do you love, say jamming a dozen of them down your maw within a very short amount of time? Well, do we have a surprise for you.

Hot conditions are ahead, with temperatures in Carson City and surrounding counties expected to soar to near 100 by the time the July 4 Independence Day holiday arrives Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The hot weather of 100 degrees or more is expected to stay around through the weekend.

Phil Brady in wheelchair holding up Carson High School Plaque

Newly retired Carson High School English teacher Phil Brady, along with family and friends, are raising $59,000 to cover a stem-cell transplant treatment to stop the crippling effects of multiple sclerosis.

Muscle Powered hike Galena Creek Trail

Join Muscle Powered for an early morning hike Wednesday on the Galena Creek Trail. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the trailhead in Phillip and Annie Callahan Park. Head north on I-580 to Mt. Rose Highway, turn left onto Mt. Rose Highway and then a left onto Callahan Road.