Firkin and Fox

The full moon tonight is something special. Known as a ‘supermoon’ for how close it will be to earth, it’s going to be worth a look. A hike this evening at Washoe Lake State Park is planned for those who would like to see it from the sand dunes. El Charro Avita always has Monday Night Football specials for those who want to watch the Bengal/Giants game, but the High Sierra Swing Dance Club meets there as well for their weekly club meet-up and dancing.

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has served or is serving in our Armed Forces. Further thank yous go to their loved ones for the sacrifices they make. This Veterans’ Day several local and national businesses have some special offers for you: free food, drinks, and even pet adoptions. You’ll find them all listed here. It’s also a Friday, so Carson City has some fun packed into our little valley. Enjoy live music at Westside Pour House or Living the Good Life. It’s a DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

Wondering what to do with yourself? Take advantage of the mild weather with Muscle Powered’s easy hike along Sedge Road on the east end of town. The Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be hitting the streets soon; head over to their job fair today if you’d like to be one of them. Karaoke makes an appearance at Living the Good Life and at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar for those who need to sing. The Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment 630 is celebrating 241 years of the United States Marine Corp with a party at Westside Pour House. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

Red, blue, left, right: today is Election Day. I would be remiss if I didn’t urge you to do your civic duty.All Carson City voters can choose between the Community Center or the Courthouse any time before 7 p.m. If you need to get away from it all, Muscle Powered leads a walk along the Linear Ditch Trail this afternoon. Comma Coffee welcomes the Mile High Jazz Band: Election Day Jazz with vocalist Jakki Ford is the perfect way to spend a Tuesday night.

TUESDAY:

It’s Monday, but this week should go quickly thanks to Veterans’ Day Friday. There’s not much I do to make Monday go by quickly, though. As the holiday season approaches, give a hand to the Friends of the Carson City Library. Their fall food drive has begun and you will earn a free book when you drop off donations at Browsers Corner Book Store. It’s the Bills versus the Seahawks in tonight’s football match-up; grab some friends and cheer on your favorite. The Firkin and Fox is the place to go for karaoke for anyone looking to belt out a few tunes.

MONDAY:

The arts are alive in Carson City. Head over to the Carson Mall for the three-day Fine Arts Faire. With over 25 artists, photographers, and artisans featured, you may just find a creation you can’t live without. For a view of the natural beauty our area has to offer, consider the hike along the Deadman’s Creek Trail with Muscle Powered this afternoon. Feeling a little adventurous? The Carson Victory Rollers are recruiting Derby Girls and officials: join in the fun with their New Skater Program beginning tonight. Keep reading and you’ll find a fun way to spend your day.

Whew. One more Halloween/Nevada Day weekend in the bag: now let’s start November off with a bang. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at Red’s Old 395 with the Modelo girls or check out the festivities at Western Nevada College that the Latino Outreach and Association of Latin American Students have planned. Travel back in time with the Carson Chamber Singers in Concert featuring Requiem for the Living and music of the Renaissance at the Shepherd of the Sierra Church. The popcorn is always free at the monthly Carson City Classic Cinema Club’s movie viewing.

Trick or treat, Carson City. Little ghouls and goblins will be hitting the streets for the annual tradition, so please drive carefully. Avoid the chill by hitting up the Carson Mall or Carson Library for goodies. The Governor will be handing out candy after 5 p.m.; you may want to start your west side visit with our Downtown Business Association’s Candy Crawl. Virginia City’s Goblin Parade is followed by trick or treating down ‘C’ Street. In Minden, don’t miss the annual Trick or Treat Safety Street at the CVIC Hall. Adults can enjoy Halloween Parties at Crossroad’s Lounge or the Blue Bull.

Happy Birthday Nevada. My favorite holiday has arrived, and with it a mountain of fun to be had. Normally my weekend list is sorted by chronological start time, but for this one I will be separating out the downtown parade related activities for your ease. Keep reading and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Parade Day Fun Stuff in Downtown Carson City:

• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

If today is any indication of how hard it is going to choose between fun activities, we have a tough few days ahead. The Carson Tahoe Spooktacular is an annual favorite for the kids, complete with treats, activities, and helicopers. It’s Family Night at the RSVP Nevada Day Carnival: thanks to Carson City Toyota-Scion, all rides are just $1. Dayton offers a Haunted Hayride through their old town history. Costumes are encouraged for this family fun event. Root beer floats await at the grand opening celebration of the newly renovated FISH.

As October marches along we find ourselves nearing election day. Head to the first floor of the courthouse to earn your 'I Voted' sticker now; early voting continues until Nov. 4. Another way to make your voice heard today is by attending the Arts Town Hall sponsored by the Nevada Arts Association. They are looking for the ways that arts and culture can be improved in the Carson City area, among other things. While the mornings can be chilly, a walk with Muscle Powered along the Freeway Multi-use Path will get your blood pumping.

It may be a Monday, but it gets us closer to one of my favorite festivities: the Nevada Day Parade. The holidays come rolling along quickly after that. For those who need some help this Thanksgiving, you can sign up for a food basket at the Salvation Army. A Holiday Craft Show at Browsers Corner Bookstore will give you a head start on that gift list; consider a Friends of the Carson City Library Membership for your more bookish friends. The World Championship doesn’t begin until tomorrow, so get your sports fix with the Texans/Broncos match-up in tonight’s Monday Night Football game.

Breathe in some crisp autumn air and take in the beauty of the changing leaves as you accompany Muscle Powered on an early morning bike ride. Show off your favorite fur baby at Genoa Coffee and Candy’s Howl-O-Ween celebration. Stop by the Nevada State Railroad Museum for the last day of the Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Don’t stop now, keep reading for more great options.

SUNDAY:

It’s that time of year again. The ghosts and ghouls come out of hiding and paint the town orange. Halloween isn’t just one night around here. Combined with the festivities of Nevada Day, you can be sure to enjoy at least a week’s worth of celebrating.

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

Hold onto your broomstick, this weekend is bound to sweep you up in Halloween fun. First you’ll need a pumpkin. The Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is a good place to start. Take the costumed kids to a Trunk or Treat at Advantage Auto Works off Old Hot Springs Road courtesy of the members of Carson Cruise Meet and Greet. Team up with Mark Twain for a ghostly tour of our haunted downtown or you can choose a shorter tour that’s perfect for families. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the candy corn.

SATURDAY:

You know you’re probably going to need some coffee, so head over to Dutch Brothers in the Carson Mall parking lot. One dollar of every drink goes to the Carson High Safe Grad Celebration. Western Nevada College is hosting an open house in the Reynolds Center for Technology featuring some of their great programs. Stick around for the artist reception celebrating the ‘521 Days’ exhibit by artist Wes Lee in the Bristlecone Building’s main gallery. Stop what you’re doing at 10:20 a.m. and brace yourself: the Great Nevada Shake-out Drill reminds us to be ready for earthquakes.

Whoo-hoo for Wednesday. The week keeps plugging along and the temperatures are rising. Head to McFadden Plaza for this afternoon’s Farmers Market; they are almost over for the year. Keep close to downtown and take advantage of the Brewers Cabinet Tap Takeover of the Firkin and Fox. Grab the mic at SlotWorld’s karaoke night. Enjoy good food, drink, and music as John and Cherie Shipley host the jazz jam at Living the Good Life. Put on your thinking cap and grab your smartest friends if you want to compete in the Geeks Who Drink pub quiz at Westside Pour House.

WEDNESDAY:

Dear goodness, autumn is beautiful around here. The leaves changing, the snow dusting our mountains, and the air is crisp. Keep a jacket handy, and enjoy a jaunt up Voltaire Canyon. Help celebrate community services as new names get added to the memorial outside the Marv Teixeira Pavilion. The League of Women Voters and Sierra Nevada Forums are almost done with this election, but not before they bring you a discussion about four of our ballot questions: be at the BAC Performance Hall by 6pm to see what they have to say.

TUESDAY:

Halloween is two weeks away, the Nevada Day Parade a few days before, and the 2016 election a few days after. Learn more about our local races during the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum today at noon. It will be streaming live right here on CarsonNow.org. Kids will enjoy the Makerspace at the Carson City Library where they can get their hands on some fun, yet educational, activities. Advocates to End Domestic Violence is holding a week long toiletry drive beginning today: donations will be accepted at Classy Seconds Thrift Shop and are much appreciated.

Something wicked this way comes. Enjoy Thursday’s balmy afternoon because the wind is blowing and bringing some cold, wet weather with it. Get a jump on your holiday gift list, the Touch of Class Craft Show begins at the Carson Valley Inn and runs through Saturday. The National Alliance on Mental Illness holds its Annual Gala at the Governor’s Mansion and features country singer, Jason DeShaw. Learn about some haunted history when several locals share their stories at the Carson Valley Cultural Center.

Hello there, Carson City. Wednesday has arrived and brings several options to help get you over the workweek hump. Geeks Who Drink Trivia at Westside Pour House, an open mic and jam at Firkin and Fox, and Jazz with Judith and Rocky at Living the Good Life all prove to be a good time. The Mayoral and Board of Supervisor candidates take the stage at the Brewery Art Center Performance Hall for another voter’s forum; the ballot question on Gas Tax Indexing will be discussed as well.

Pick your poison, Carson City. Art, music, politics, film, hiking: all are available today. CCAI brings us a Nevada Neighbors talk with one of the artists featured in the Nevada Museum of Art. The Wired Wednesday group has a workshop for filmmakers in time for the upcoming creepy film festival and competition. Local candidates can be found at the BAC Performance Hall in the first of three voters' forums. It's hard to miss the new 'Home Means Nevada' mural on the side of CAL Ranch at Winnie Lane; the opening ceremony for our newest piece of art is at 2 p.m.

I wandered over to Firkin and Fox on Sunday morning expecting the back bar to be a quiet place where I could watch some football.

The weekend continues for school students. While Columbus Day is usually not celebrated in Nevada, it is a professional development day for our school district. Take the kids to Carson Lanes for $1 bowling. Carson Library is offering a Makerspace for Kids this afternoon with hands-on STEAM activities that make learning fun. It’s the Buccaneers versus the Panthers for Monday Night Football: drink specials can be found all over town. Sing the ‘weekend’s over’ blues during karaoke at the Firkin and Fox.

MONDAY:

• Carson City School District: No School today

As the sun sets earlier and the nights get colder, we prepare for all things autumn. In Carson City that’s Nevada Day, but Halloween is just as beloved. Virginia City gets a jump on all things ghoulish with their annual REDRUN zombie obstacle course this weekend – go HERE to register or for more information. Take it easy today with some good food and live music at Living the Good Life or Glen Eagles. Jimmy G welcomes the late night crowd with karaoke.

The leaves are changing, and the sweaters are coming out for the season. Chilly days are perfect for curling up with a good book: meet a local author at the Douglas Library this evening, you never know if you'll find a new favorite. Scott Tazbir has moved into the Backseat Gallery at Comma Coffee. A reception highlighting his drawings will be tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrate National 4-H Week with an open house at the UNR Cooperative Extention Office.

Tuesday has arrived, and that means a new stroll with Carson City Parks and Recreation. Today's Easy Walk is the Annual Art Tour, visiting eight galleries and exhibits downtown. If you can't join them on this excursion, just grab the new art walk map at the Carson Visitor's Center to make sure you don't miss anyone. Today also marks the beginning of the Nevada Day Treasure Hunt, an annual tradition that has history buffs and Nevada aficionados combing the grounds for the lucky medallion. Read on, and enjoy your day.

TUESDAY:

I don’t know who asked for this chilly, windy weather, but it’s here. Heck, it even snowed in Reno overnight. Grab a few extra layers and enjoy the day. Western Nevada College has invited the local candidates to a debate; head to Marlette Hall on the first floor of the Cedar Building. You can watch the Vikings take on the NY Giants tonight, or get your swing on with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club. Firkin and Fox has karaoke tonight: it’s a great way to start the week.

MONDAY:

Wine walk weekend is almost upon us, along with the infamous Virginia City Outhouse Races. Start your day at Dutch Bros. Coffee and one dollar from every drink will find its way to the Boys and Girls Club. Today is the last day to view the Capital City Arts Initiative exhibit, ‘New Crop 2016’ on the second floor of the Courthouse, so head over there before it’s gone. Check out some new art at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: Kim VanZyll and Her Zentangle Protégés will be there for an opening reception.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Celebrate National Drink a Beer Day with drink specials at the Firkin and Fox. Kick up your heels at Carson Lanes: Country Line dance lessons tonight. Westside Pour House hosts the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz each week; it’s a great excuse to grab some friends and fight for bragging rights. Check out SlotWorld for their new karaoke night or the Jazz Jam at Living the Good Life. Carson High continues their Homecoming Week festivities: Wednesday Night Live in the Community Center Theater features some very funny students.

WEDNESDAY: