I Love Carson City’s Weekend Event Summary: Dec. 9 - 10

The Carson City area is awash in entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly options this weekend. Santa Claus is popping up all over, including at Benson Feed for the annual CASI Pet Photos with St. Nick and aboard the train at our Railroad Museum’s Santa Train. The musical ‘Honk, Jr’ for the young ones and Love/Sick for the older crowd are on the stage at the Brewery Arts Center. Spend the day at the Silver Saddle Ranch: their annual Holiday Open House is the perfect time to explore their trails and learn more about the working ranch’s preservation. Read on and discover what this weekend can offer you.

SATURDAY:

• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am -11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• — Run With Rudolph 5K or 10K - Annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series presented by Ascent Runs: begins at Western Nevada College - head south toward the baseball field and then down to the lower lot. Look for blue truck and pop-ups (race begins 9am; same-day registration $25, students $15 - cash or card only; Every participant must check-in prior to the start of the run to confirm presence, bib# and distance running; Walkers are welcome; There are no aid stations out on the course, so be prepared to carry your own water or sports drink)
• — Holiday with a Hero Fundraiser at Betsy’s Big Kitchen inside SlotWorld (8am-8pm, breakfast, lunch, and dinner; all of the day’s proceeds will go to the Holiday with a Hero Program)
• — Coffee and Donuts with Experimental Aircraft Association, Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am-12pm, all welcome)
• — Annual Holiday Open House at the Silver Saddle Ranch, off Carson River Rd. (9am-2pm; 9am three-mile guided hike to Mexican Dam and back, 9am guided bike ride, 10am Santa arrives, 10am-12pm painting demonstration, 1pm friendly guided hike to learn about the origin of Saint Nicholas, local history, wildlife, and vegetation; all welcome; photos with Santa, warm fire, eggnog and hot cider; come prepared to go for a walk/run, bicycle ride, or horseback ride; Co-hosted by the Friends of the Silver Saddle Ranch and Muscle Powered)
• — Free Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Dayton Valley Community Center: 170 Pike Street (8am-11am; photos by Denise Crites; RSVP by leaving a message at 775-246-0320; hosted by Central Lyon Youth Connections – CLYC)
• — ‘Stuff the Subaru’ canned food drive at Save-Mart: 3620 N. Carson Street (10am-12pm; benefit for the Meals on Wheels program; a Subaru ‘Share the Love’ event)

Get the blood pumping in the crisp winter air during the ‘Run with Rudolph’ 5/10K sponsored by Ascent Runs. For a slower pace, explore Silver Saddle Ranch with Muscle Powered.

• — CASI Pet Pictures with Santa at Benson’s Feed and Tack: 2750 Hwy 50 East (10am-2pm; Pictures are $15, includes 4x6 printed copy and a digital copy to share; benefit for CASI: Carson Animal Shelter Initiative)
• — Second annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at Fuji Park (10am-6pm; free admission; over 40+ local and unique crafters, businesses, and local representatives. Raffles, goodies, kids coloring station, and more; Faith Hope Love of Northern Nevada will be collecting hygiene products, clothes, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, sleeping bags, blankets, and more during the event. Please leave all donations at the main event info booth)
• — Annual Nevada Day Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture; books are not included; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program)
• — Family Fun Saturday: Pines are Fine and Holiday Crafts at the Nevada State Museum (10am-3pm, all ages welcome; Museum admission $8, under 18 free; learn all about conifers, create your own wreaths or pine needle angels to decorate trees or packages for Christmas)
• — Annual Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Trains leave every half hour 10am-3pm; $5, children 3 and under who sit in an adult's lap are free; Visit with Santa Claus and receive a candy cane aboard the train; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• — Depot Work Day at Dayton's 1881 Carson and Colorado Railroad Depot: Hwy 50 East at Main Street, at the light (10am-1pm; Drop in, help as you can - There is something for everyone; for more info call 775-246-0505 or 775-720-4104)
• — An Old-Fashioned Holiday Open House at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park: 1450 Highway 88, Minden (10am-2pm; suggested donation $5)

Holiday Crafts at the Nevada State Museum is part of today’s Family Fun Saturday event. Kids can also use some creativity at the Craft Booth in the Carson Mall’s Craft Fair where they can make holiday presents for seniors, veterans, and our oversea military.

• — Family Story time and Craft at the Carson City Library (10:15am-11:45am; supplies limited MUST register online HERE; Each family will receive a free library bag and free book. Each child that is registered will get to participate in an art or science activity; those 9 and younger must be accompanied by someone 13+; You must have a library card in good standing to participate)
• — Holiday Open House at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery: 405 N Nevada St (10:30am-5pm; enjoy champagne, bellinis, mimosas, candies, cakes, and chocolates while you shop)
• — Christmas Craft Fair in the Carson Mall (11am-5pm; Vendors, Family activities for all to enjoy, Visits and Photos with Santa Claus, Reindeer Games, Pony Express, Rainbow Girls gift wrap, Christmas Carols)
• — Community Craft Service Project at the Carson Mall Craft Fair, the (11am-5pm; we are creating holiday stockings for Richards Crossing, a festive paper place mat for Meals on Wheels recipients, and writing cards for past and present service men and women serving our country. All supplies will be provided, there is no obligation, and all ages and creative levels are encouraged to participate; This event is part of JustServe.org and #LightTheWorld service campaign and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
• — Second annual Christmas Market at Silver Strike CrossFit: 3260 Centennial Park Dr. (11am-4pm; everyone welcome; unique gifts, free Hot chocolate and crafting corner to make your own ornaments. Space available to gift wrap your items for free)
• — Christmas Concert with the Douglas High Dynamics Singers at the Greenhouse Garden Center: 2450 S. Curry (11am-12:30pm)
• — Christmas Cheer and Photos with Santa at Action Home Furnishings in the Carson Mall (11:30am-5pm; free photos, treats and raffle giveaways)
• — Seniors (55+), Military, and Veterans Swim Free at Paradise Salon and Spa: 3430 Executive Pointe, off College Pkwy (11:30am-5pm; indoor adult warm saltwater pools, no reservation required; no open swim during classes)
• — Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart on Fairview (12pm-4pm; Enjoy a FREE photo opportunity with your family, pets and St. Nick)
• — V&T Candy Cane Express at the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot: 166 F Street, Virginia City (train runs at 12pm AND 2pm; $19, $9 kids; Sip Hot Cocoa or Hot Cider and enjoy cookies and candy canes while singing carols, and listening to the 1832 classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas”; Reservations required, GO HERE)

This region inspires quite a few creative types, so it’s no wonder the arts in Carson City are hoppin. Open houses at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and at the Carson City Art Gallery showcase a plethora of local and regional artists with a multitude of styles and mediums. Sip, taste, and enjoy.

• — Holiday Show Meet and Greet at Carson City Art Gallery: 110 S Curry Street (1pm-5pm; Enjoy light refreshments and live music; Artists will be on hand to talk about their work and answer any questions you may have. A very special 10% discount is available to anyone that asks)
• — Pop-up Art Show featuring the work of Kenny Arnold in the Brewery Arts Center Grand Ballroom (1pm-7pm)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (2pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)
• — ‘Winter Wanderings’ Holiday Concert presented by Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble in the Carson City Community Center’s Sierra Room (2pm-3pm; free admission, donations gratefully appreciated; suitable for all ages looking to be wrapped in the warmth and magic of the holiday season)
• — Children's Holiday Crafting at the Douglas County Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2:30pm-3:30; supplies provided; drop-in and open to all ages; however, those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• — Annual Tree Lighting at the Dayton Dog Park: Dayton Valley Road at Como (4:30pm-5:30pm; coffee and hot chocolate; people and puppy cookies for sale)
• — A Cowboy Christmas featuring Mary Kaye in the historic Genoa Town Hall: 2289 Main Street, Genoa (venue doors open at 5pm, Pre-concert dinner 5pm, concert at 6:30pm start; Tickets including chili and baked potato dinner: $35 adults, $25 kids; concert only: $20 adults, $15 kids 12 and under; For more details and to purchase tickets, please call 775-782-8696)
• — Nevada Christmas: music and video sequenced light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-10pm, no show if raining/snowing; please turn off all head/running lights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated, but not required, to benefit the Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club)
• — Candy Cane Lane: custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display at Carson Valley Inn, Minden (6pm-9pm; Accompanying music can be heard by tuning your car radio to 89.9 FM)
• — Weekly Star Party with Telescope Viewing and Lecture: "Aliens in the Movies" by Mike Thomas at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave, off Murphy Drive (6:30pm-10:30pm; lecture at 6:30pm, limited seating; free; star viewing by telescopes begins at sunset; Weather permitting)
• — The Road to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity at the First United Methodist Church – Drive through entrance is at Division and King Streets (6:30pm-8:30pm; non-perishable food will be collected; For more information go to www.carson1umc.org or call the church at 775-882-1436)

The annual Road to Bethlehem Drive-Through Living Nativity at the downtown Methodist Church draws spectators from all over. It’s easy for the roads around Division and King Street to get a little crowded, so take an alternate route if you aren’t headed to the church.

• — Ladies Night at Crossroads Lounge (7pm-close)
• — Live Music with the John Dawson Band at the Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• — The Proscenium Players present Love/Sick: A romantic and tragic comedy by John Cariani in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater (7pm; $18 General Admission - discounts for students, seniors, and PPI or BAC members)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (7pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)
• — Carson Valley POPS Orchestra Winter Concert with Voices of the Sierra Choral Group in the CVIC Hall: 1606 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden (doors 6:30pm, 7pm start; free, donations always appreciated)
• — Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (7pm; $20 admission)
• — Live Music with Southbound Train at the Washoe Camp Saloon: 3155 Eastlake Blvd, New Washoe City (7pm)
• — Rock 'n Bowl Night at Carson Lanes Family Fun Center (7pm-11pm; music and laser lights; Bowling Discounts for groups of 10 or more)
• — Rock’n and Bowl’n at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (8pm-11:45pm; $10-$14 includes two hours of bowling and more; disco lights, fog machine and lots of prizes)
• — DJ Wess Neal at Alatte inside the Carson Nugget (8pm)
• — Live Music with Mo’z Motley Blues Band at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Terra Bella in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• — Live Music with the VooDoo Dogs at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
• — Live Music with New Wave Crave in ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• — Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• — DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+)

You are in for a Holiday Treat today; the annual Carson City Symphony Winter Concert with Victorian Dancers in beautiful costumes takes to the stage in the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Take in a play at the Brewery Arts Center, enjoy Polar Express on the big screen at the Galaxy Theater, or play BINGO at the Senior Center. The Santa Train, the Living Nativity at the Methodist Church, and a remembrance ceremony at Walton’s Chapel are on the list, too. Sunday’s aren’t sleepy this time of year, so read on and take a look at your options.

SUNDAY:

• — Family Day at Empire Ranch Golf Course (Kids play free with each paid adult green fee, one for one)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am-11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• — Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (meet at 9am; consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles; ride pace will vary depending on rider level, but usually about 12-16 mph; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting site; email Shane: shane@shanetrotter.net with any questions)
• — Community Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $12 suggested; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• — Annual Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Trains leave every half hour 10am-3pm; $5, children 3 and under who sit in an adult's lap are free; Visit with Santa Claus and receive a candy cane aboard the train; Refreshments, including hot cocoa, available for purchase; raffle)
• — Annual Nevada Day Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Christmas Craft Fair in the Carson Mall (11am-5pm; Vendors, Family activities for all to enjoy, Visits and Photos with Santa Claus, Reindeer Games, Pony Express, Rainbow Girls gift wrap, Christmas Carols)
• — Community Craft Service Project at the Carson Mall Craft Fair, the (11am-5pm; we are creating holiday stockings for Richards Crossing, a festive paper place mat for Meals on Wheels recipients, and writing cards for past and present service men and women serving our country. All supplies will be provided, there is no obligation, and all ages and creative levels are encouraged to participate; This event is part of JustServe.org and #LightTheWorld service campaign and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at Carson City Senior Center (doors 11:30am, 12:30pm-4pm; $10 buy in, extra packs $5, Special games $1 each; 50/50 raffle and door prizes; Bring a hygiene item, can of food, or a non-perishable item and we will give you a free game sheet for our Can Food game; lunch available; must be 21+)
• — Meet and Greet Brunch and Show: Piper's Opera House Players presents Tim Burton's ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (11:30am; $35 admission includes brunch catered by Virginia City's Roasting House and served by the Nightmare's cast and crew)
• — V&T Candy Cane Express at the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot: 166 F Street, Virginia City (train runs at 12pm AND 2pm; $19, $9 kids; Sip Hot Cocoa or Hot Cider and enjoy cookies and candy canes while singing carols, and listening to the 1832 classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas”; Reservations required, go HERE)
• — Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart on Fairview (12pm-4pm; Enjoy a FREE photo opportunity with your family, pets and St. Nick)
• — Music Jam Sunday at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (1pm-3pm; we try to keep it simple so that musicians of all ages and skill levels can participate. We welcome music of all genres and styles; Audience is welcome)
• — The Proscenium Players present Love/Sick: A romantic and tragic comedy by John Cariani in the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theater (1pm; $18 General Admission - discounts for students, seniors, and PPI or BAC members)
• — ‘Honk, Jr.’ presented by Wild Horse Children’s Theater in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall (2pm; $10, $5 kids 4 - 12; Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling transformed into a modern musical comedy)
• — Big Screen Classics: The Polar Express at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (2pm; $8.50 adults, $7.75 kids)
• — Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• — Weekly 9 Ball Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)

The Carson Victory Rollers Roller Derby Team invite everyone to their annual Season’s Beatings Scrimmage; admission price is only $5.00 and they’re also collecting toys and donations for the Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

• — Season’s Beatings: Carson Victory Rollers’ Annual Christmas Scrimmage in the Community Center Gym (doors open 2:30pm, Adults scrimmage at 3pm, Juniors to follow; Admission is $5, donations of toys for various ages or self-care items for children and parents alike are greatly appreciated; All level adult skaters that have passed minimum skills are welcome to play. Please bring Red and Green jerseys; Benefit for the Advocates to End Domestic Violence)
• — Carson City Symphony’s 34th annual Holiday Treat Concert with the Carson City Symphony Chorus and Victorian Dancers in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center (Pre-concert entertainment with STRAZZ at 3pm in the lobby; concert 4pm-6pm; $15 general admission, free for children age 16 and under)
• — Remembrance and Candle Lighting Service at Walton’s Chapel of the Valley: 1281 N. Roop St (5pm-7pm; for anyone in the Northern Nevada community who has lost a loved one. The service will last about an hour and a half and everyone is welcome)
• — Christmas Spaghetti Feed with Santa and the Sheriff at the Mark Twain Community Center: 500 Sam Clemens Ave, Dayton (5pm-7pm; Pictures with Santa for kids under 10; sponsored by Sheriff Antinoro and the We Care program)
• — Nevada Christmas: music and video sequenced light display at 1176 Chaparral Ct., Minden – off Stephanie Way (5:30pm-10pm, no show if raining/snowing; please turn off all head/running lights and do NOT block or park in driveways; donations appreciated, but not required, to benefit the Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club)
• — Candy Cane Lane: custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display at Carson Valley Inn, Minden (6pm-9pm; Accompanying music can be heard by tuning your car radio to 89.9 FM)
• — The Road to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity at the First United Methodist Church – Drive through entrance is at Division and King Streets (6:30pm-8:30pm; non-perishable food will be collected; For more information go to www.carson1umc.org or call the church at 775-882-1436)
• — Big Screen Classics: The Polar Express at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (7pm; $10.25 adults, $7.75 kids)

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.