Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar

The countdown to Turkey Day has begun, and living in Carson City gives us plenty to be thankful for: Beautiful views, our own deer herd, great shops, yummy restaurants, talented actors, artists, and craftsmen, and wonderful people. Get in the spirit of giving with a new tattoo from Hooligan’s Ink to benefit the Austin House. For something less permanent, drop off a turkey at one of the contenders in the Salvation Army’s Battle of the Bars. Giving your time is valuable, too. The Muscle Powered Trash Mob meets once a month to help keep Carson’s trails clean and litter-free.

Happy Friday, Carson City. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly suggest tracking down some tickets for Mary Poppins. The cast and crew of the Western Nevada Musical Theater Co. knock it out of the park with this production. Carson High School’s annual Craft Fair begins tonight; a plethora of crafters, artisans, and vendors will be there to help with your holiday gift list. It’s West Coast Swing night at Yaple’s Ballroom, so put on your dance shoes and kick the weekend off right.

FRIDAY:

The Polar Express takes its first trip of the season today, and I hope you got your tickets. The annual event always sells out. Check here for ticket information; you may get lucky. Take the kids to the Carson City Library for weekly story time and check out CCAI’s Industrial Art Exhibit while you’re there. Today is the last day it will be on display. Hear stories of Old Virginia City at the Gold Hill Hotel. Or take a trip to the Nevada State Museum: the bombing of a Basque village during the Spanish Civil War and the affect it had on the United States is the topic of this month’s Francis Humphry lecture.
THURSDAY:

• American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout: Take a One Day Stand Against Tobacco at Western Nevada College (college campus is smoke-free for the day)
• ’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

We have plenty of things to look forward to this weekend: Mary Poppins' final shows, the annual Craft Fair at Carson High, the opening of the Polar Express. Just don’t forget that fun can be had every day in Carson City. Tonight, enjoy line dancing at Carson Lanes. Ladies enjoy pool and drink specials at the Ormsby Club. The ever-popular Geeks Who Drink trivia game makes its weekly appearance at Lake Tahoe Brewing Co. And Living the Good Life is proud to bring Liam Kyle Cahill to the stage as part of his acoustic folk rock ‘Turkey Tour.’

WEDNESDAY:

• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Anna Louise Darden and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

All aboard, Carson City. The Polar Express returns to the Virginia and Truckee Thursday. This annual tradition features hot chocolate, caroling, and a read-along of Chris Van Allsburg's Christmas story, in addition to a visit to Santa at the North Pole.

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? The weather should hold up on Saturday, but no promises on Sunday. Hit the slopes if you are so inclined, several Tahoe resorts have opened for the season. Runners should head out to Washoe Lake State Park for the first of the Be Bold, Run in the Cold series sponsored by Ascent Runs. If you prefer something warmer, head to Crossroads Lounge for their Grand Re-opening. It’s under new ownership and is sure to have something to keep you toasty.

SATURDAY:

Go Big Blue! The Carson Senators head into the varsity football regional finals against North Valleys High School. Bundle up and cheer on our high school. Sierra Lutheran High School’s theater department is presenting Borrowed Time; break a leg. Mary Poppins returns for its second weekend at the Community Center. The Western Nevada Musical Theater Company has outdone themselves this season, so hurry and get tickets or you may miss out.

FRIDAY:

No need to wait for black Friday or Small Business Saturday to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Western Nevada College’s annual Craft Fair is today, as is Santa’s Village at the Carson City Senior Center. Support local artists and crafters while finding a one of a kind gift for your loved ones. If you have a book-lover on your list, a book signed by local author Ken Beaton is easy to acquire. Browser’s Corner is holding a meet and greet with him this evening.

THURSDAY:

Today is Veterans’ Day: a day to commemorate the men and women of the Armed Forces that have fought, and possibly died, for our country. Thank you for your service. Several places around town are offering something special for our Veterans today: free coffee, free breakfast, free lunch, etc. You’ll need to bring proof of service. Tonight, everyone is invited to the party. Check out the Junebugs at Living the Good Life. The Portland pop-folk band returns for a night of fun and dancing.

It was rainy last night in our valley, but this evening should see some snow. A winter wonderland isn’t always easy to drive in, so please slow down and be careful. Monday always brings karaoke at the Firkin and Fox, so go sing your heart out. Football lovers will probably be watching the Bears-Chargers game. For those of you with swing in your step, head to El Charro Avita for intermediate dance lessons and the High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s weekly ‘night out.’

MONDAY:

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. The temperatures will be brisk, but nothing a scarf and sweater can’t help guard against. The real cold shows up late Sunday and brings with it a good chance for snow. Mary Poppins would advise we bear it with a spoon full of sugar.

Break a leg, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company! The Broadway musical, Mary Poppins, opens today and is sure to be one of their best productions yet. For those who don’t know their lines, head to Improv at the Brewery Art Center and see what you can come up with on the fly. Live music hits the stage at Westside Pour House, Glen Eagles, Living the Good Life, and Comma Coffee.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am-8am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)

Before you catch a chill, head down to the Community Flu Shot Clinic held this afternoon at the Fire Station by the Carson City Airport. Warm up from the inside at Tahoe Ridge Winery’s monthly Ladies Night: Women In Need Of Sanity. Crooners Jimmy Mallett and Jack Clifton are just the recipe for a hot time at Living the Good Life. . Rick Radecki sizzles as he returns with his Flashback Thursdays show at the Casino Fandango. Things get spicy at El Charro Avita: salsa dance lessons are tonight.

THURSDAY:

Bundle up, Carson City, our balmy Autumn is gone. Today is going to be chilly. Warm your soul with some artwork at one of our many exhibits around town. Don’t miss the Backseat Gallery Artist Reception at Comma Coffee. The rotating exhibit changes monthly, and they celebrate the new work every first Wednesday. Music is another great way to warm the heart, so catch the musician’s open mic at Sassafras or a jazz jam at Living the Good Life. Get your karaoke on at Crossroads Lounge on Winnie Lane; it’s under new ownership.

WEDNESDAY:

Let it rain. We enjoyed a perfect Nevada Day weekend: not too cold or hot, and the wind didn’t pick up until long after the floats left the parade route. Halloween was enjoyed by all with trick or treating at the Governor’s Mansion, the annual Blinky Man Halloween ride, the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Brewery Arts Center, and costumes galore. It’s time to move into November, though. Daylight savings time has ended and there is talk of snow.

Are you ready for this? Nevada Day weekend has arrived and brings with it a downtown filled with friends, neighbors, and fun. Hot air balloons, the annual beard contest, the parade, tours of the Governor’s Mansion, and more make this time of year amazing. The carnival at Mills Park, and the Pow-Wow at the Carson Colony take the festivities to the next level.

SATURDAY: PARADE DAY!

• Nevada Day Classic 8K Run/Walk (same day registration: $40 from 6:30am-7:30am on the second floor of the Carson Nugget Casino; 8am racers begin at Telegraph Square: W. Telegraph and N. Curry Streets; costumes encouraged)
• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

FRIDAY: Nevada Day Observed and Trick or Treat Night in Carson City ONLY
•*NAA Art Exhibit by Mark Kyle and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
•*Free Admission to the Nevada State Museum (8:30am-4:30pm; coin press demonstrations 10:30am-12pm AND 1-3pm)
•*Free Admission to the Nevada State Railroad Museum (9am-4:30pm; McKeen Motorcar Rides $8, $4 kids 10am-4pm)
•*Nevada Day Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)

The kids can get a jump start on the Halloween festivities today at the Carson Tahoe Medical Center. The annual Spooktacular Stroll is a fun time not to be missed. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel or win your sweetheart a prize at the RSVP Carnival that opens today at Mills Park. It’s Family Night, so all rides are only one dollar. Enjoy dancing with DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life or learn to salsa dance at El Charro’s. Celebrate your October birthday at Carson Cigar Co. with music by the Trippin King Snakes.

THURSDAY:

Happy Wednesday, Carson City. One of my favorite weekends of the year is just around the corner. Nevada Day is something special here in the capital city: the parade, beard contest, fam fest, and so much more. Go here for the official Nevada Day website and here for a schedule of events, courtesy of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. Parade day falls on Oct. 31 this year, and when that happens, trick or treating in Carson City gets bumped up a day to Friday. If you can’t wait that long to wear your costume, head to Carson Lanes for their Halloween Line Dance Party.

WEDNESDAY:

• Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

I know it’s Monday, but it just brings us one day closer to the Nevada Day/Halloween festivities next weekend. Check out my list of things to do, and the week will go by quickly. Go here for a list of all Halloween fun coming up this week.

MONDAY:

• Last day to RSVP to the Chamber of Commerce’s Soup's On Luncheon on Wed. Oct. 26 ($16; 775-882-1565)
• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• NAA Art Exhibit by Mark Kyle and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

One last weekend until Nevada Day, and the ghosts and ghouls are coming out of the woodwork. Learn our haunted history with the Downtown Ghost Walk. For thrills and chills, don’t miss the Second Annual Carson Creepy Short Horror Film Competition in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. For a complete list of all Halloween activities this week go here.

SATURDAY:

Time to kick off the weekend. Here's a list of what's going on today in Carson City.

FRIDAY:
•*Nevada Day Treasure Hunt is over: MEDALLION FOUND at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
•*NAA Art Exhibit by Mark Kyle and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

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

Friday Oct. 23:
-- Carson City Pumpkin Patch at Red Horse Ranch: 4849 Cochise St (10am-6pm; free admission)
-- Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival with Hay Slide, Kiddie Land Straw Maze, Farm Animals and more at Corley Ranch: 859 Highway 395 South, Gardnerville (11am-4pm; free admission on weekdays)

Welcome to Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Here are things to do in and around Carson City today:
•*NV Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)
•*’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Welcome to Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015. Here's what's happening in and around Carson City today.

•*NV Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
•*NAA Art Exhibit by Mark Kyle and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

Monday has returned, but it brings us one day closer to the Halloween/Nevada Day weekend. Just a reminder, Carson City trick-or-treats on Friday, Oct. 30 this year. For our newer residents, this follows the Carson City custom of not having treat night the same day as the parade. The last time this happened was in 2009. Don’t get tricked, you’ll see the little ones a day early. If you need a pumpkin, check out the pumpkin patch at Red Horse Ranch on Cochise, just south of Clearview Dr.

MONDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)

UPDATE: The Light after Dark Walk/Run scheduled at Riverview Park in Carson City tonight has been canceled due to the dangerous conditions of the track from the bad weather. We will be letting everyone know soon when we can reschedule. If anyone has any questions or concerns please call Becca or Traci at (775) 883-7654. Again, we are so sorry for the inconvenience.
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The RAM Clinic begins today. It’s first come first served, so you’ll be in line a while if you’d like to be seen; bring something to snack on and entertain yourself with. Downtown will be the place to be tonight. Notch 8 will be making their first appearance in several months with a show at Westside Pour House. Carson Cigar is still celebrating its 20th birthday, so enjoy live music with Bread and Butter tonight. Comma Coffee will be filled with fun and laughter. The annual Tickled Pink World Dance Open Floor is including a lip sync contest for the first time, so it should be a good time had by all.

FRIDAY:

• Remote Area Medical Clinic: Free Vision and Medical Services at Carson High School: 1111 N. Saliman Road (6am-4pm; Line-up starts at Midnight, numbers given out at 3am, doors open at 6am; Medical services are provided on a first come, first served basis; no ID or patient registration required)

Welcome to Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 Carson City. Here are today's happenings in and around our wonderful capital city:
•*NV Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)
•*Last day to RSVP for the Oct. 21 Leisure Hour Club Meeting with speaker Jan Loverin, curator of the Nevada State Museum’s Marjorie Russel Clothing and Textile Center (please call Dorothy Link at (775) 885-2542)
•*’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

Carson City will break ground on the new Animal Services facility today, at 9:30 a.m. Attending the ceremony will be Carson City Public Works officials, the City Board of Supervisors, Carson Animal Services Initiative, and representatives of the Nevada Humane Society. The facility will be located on Airport Road in Carson, just south of the intersection of Airport Road and Butti Way. The public is invited.

WEDNESDAY
•*NV Day Treasure Hunt (www.NVDayTreasureHunt.com)
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
•*’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building