pumpkin

From harvest trains to harvest fairs and festivals, the Nevada state capital was alive with the sights, sounds, colors and activities of autumn Saturday.

Leaves turning, wind blowing, and all things pumpkin sprouting up everywhere. It is absolutely autumn in Northern Nevada. Get ready for Halloween with your choice of pumpkin patches. Seeliger Elementary School is hosting theirs for the twenty-fifth year in a row. Take a trip on the V and T Steam Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum, actually take several trips. The annual Harvest Train event offers an all-day wristband that allows for as many rides as you’d like, in addition to museum admission. So many more fun activities are available to you, you’ll have to read on to see them all.

Celebrating a quarter century of turning the round, orange members of the squash family into memorable Halloween carving traditions, Seeliger Elementary School in Carson City will host its 25th annual Pumpkin Patch this Saturday, Oct. 14.

CARSON CITY — October means the harvest moon and at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, it means the Harvest Train. The museum is hosting its third annual Harvest Train over two weekends in October, with steam train rides, a pumpkin patch, craft fair and food trucks.

It might be a blustery Sunday, but the snow isn’t falling yet so enjoy what’s left of our Indian Summer. Whatever you couldn’t cram into Saturday is probably still around: the Aviation Round-up, Italian Festival, and the Outhouse races are still going strong. The Carson City BMX season is coming to an end soon, go check out their races at Livermore Sports Complex. Find some inner peace in the newly renovated Comma Coffee with Community Yoga or a Heart-ful Gong Meditation session. See the full listing below.

Some weekends are pretty cut and dry, just a few things to choose among. This, however, is not one of those weekends. High-flying, death-defying action takes over the Minden Airport as the Aviation Roundup Air Show takes to the skies. Pasta-lovers won’t want to miss the Eldorado Great Italian Festival in downtown Reno. Carson City’s monthly Downtown Wine Walk gets a dose of nostalgia as the Western Airstream Convention sets up shop and welcomes the curious.

With all the motorcycles on the road, you may be looking for some peace and quiet. Luckily, it’s fee-free day at all of the Nevada State Parks. Load up the kids, pack a picnic, at head to the great outdoors. Don’t miss out on the last-of-the-season Farmers Market at Third and Curry, stock up on local honey and load your basket with yummy stuff. Oktoberfest takes over the McFadden Plaza at 3 p.m. Bavarian and German beers, authentic food, and live music await. Keep reading for everything the area has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Carson High School Career and Technology Education Health Occupation Student Association Future Health Professionals, a career and technical student organization, is sending 29 students to the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., June 20-25. The students will represent CHS, as well as the Carson City community and the state of Nevada in various medical competitions.

Join dietitian Kim Mason, AmeriCorps members, and Dayton Food Pantry Director Alie Trier for a healthy cooking demonstration, followed by dinner, on Monday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dayton Valley Community Center, 170 Pike Street in Dayton.

I’ll bet the kids are chomping at the bit: one last week before winter break and just days away from Christmas. For some family friendly entertainment tonight, the Tintabultation Handbell Ensemble is offering a free concert at the Marriott Courtyard at Casino Fandago. Learn some new tricks in the kitchen with a free cooking class by Healthy Communities Coalition at the Dayton Community Center. Pumpkin lattes and chocolate silk cake are on the menu. It’s Panthers versus the Redskins in tonight’s football game. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY:

I’ll bet the kids are chomping at the bit: one last week before winter break and just days away from Christmas. For some family friendly entertainment tonight, the Tintabultation Handbell Ensemble is offering a free concert at the Marriott Courtyard at Casino Fandago. Learn some new tricks in the kitchen with a free cooking class by Healthy Communities Coalition at the Dayton Community Center. Pumpkin lattes and chocolate silk cake are on the menu. It’s Panthers versus the Redskins in tonight’s football game. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY:

Soup and ice cream only seem like the odd couple of food pairings. But as far as Geoff and Kimberly Landry are concerned, there can be no better complement.

Thanksgiving isn't a patriotic holiday per se, but it is full of patriotic feelings as Americans did and should give thanks for our shared blessings as a nation.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association, Sierra-Tahoe Unit #137 donated 10 Thanksgiving boxes to local veterans. The boxes included all the food necessary to prepare the meal. A turkey with all the trimmings, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, pumpkin pie mix, crust and the pans! In addition, canned food items, oranges and basics were included in the box.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little impatient. In just a few days’ time, a feast of family, friends, gratitude, and turkey will be served up. While we’re waiting, go check out the vendors at the Carson Mall and get a jump on some of your holiday shopping. The art exhibits around town are always a nice way to spend a few hours. Monday Night Football sees the Raiders battle the Texans; grab some friends and place your bets. Learn a few tricks in the kitchen with the Healthy Communities Coalition: their free monthly cooking class is open to everyone.

MONDAY:

This is the final week to order pies baked fresh by talented Carson City area chefs from local restaurants in time for Thanksgiving. All proceeds benefit the Northern Nevada Dream Center Reach the Hungry program.

Join Northern Nevada Dream Center and support Carson City area families in need this holiday season as dozens of the region's best chefs from local restaurants donate their time and talent to bake fabulous Thanksgiving pies for the sixth annual Pie to the Rescue.

Chefs Josh and Whitney Deri of Blend Catering, Reno, join Chef Charlie Abowd in the kitchen for this year’s Celebrity Chef and Harvest Dinner, A Benefit for The Greenhouse Project, Monday, Nov. 7 at Cafe at Adele’s in Carson City.

An active partnership with the Eagle Valley Children’s Home in North Carson City is helping the student leadership class at Pioneer High School learn about the challenges of living with disabilities. In fact, a recent visit motivated these local teens to get more involved to better understand the trials and difficulties people with severe disabilities go through on a daily basis.

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.

After an action-packed Nevada Day Saturday, Sunday traditions carry on, such as the 35th Annual La Ka Lel Be Pow Wow at the Carson Colony gym. Take the kids up to Virginia City for one last chance to catch Thomas the Tank Engine at the V & T Depot. It may be a little rainy, but the show must go on at the NV Day Carnival and Festival at Mills Park.

SUNDAY:

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)

Even though Carson City is awash with Nevada Day festivities, Halloween is just as important. Here is an updated list of all the reasons to throw on a costume Saturday through Monday in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Remember, rain is expected on Friday and Sunday, so consider an umbrella if you don’t want your make-up to run!
Adults only parties are in italics.

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:

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev. – Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned Halloween fun at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities including harvest games on the museum lawn, a scavenger hunt around the fort ruins and pumpkin carving and scarecrow building contest.

Saturday Fright Night- Frappucino Tasting!

5pm to 7pm

at Genoa Candy and Coffee Co. of Carson City
4600 Snyder Ave.

Next to Johnny Rocket's and Walley's Pizza at the Carson Lanes

Small cover charge gets you in the door,

But if you are in costume, then you get in for free!

Almond Joy frappuccinos, Witches Brew, Pumpkin spice and more!

Suggest a recipe - we might give it a try!

All drinks purchased during the tasting will be half off!

Candy, Tea and coffee available as well

I’m usually a lover of sunny days, but right now I say bring on the rain. The moisture is a welcome help to our heroic firefighters in Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. Because of the wet weather and the recent fires, some activities have been postponed: most notably the Advocates to End Domestic Violence’s Annual Light After Dark Run. There are still plenty of things to occupy your time, but the weather may force more cancellations.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

Sundays are a great time for relaxing, but you’ve got some options around town just the same. Head out with Muscle Powered for their weekly bike ride. Try some inline skating and hockey at Marv Teixeira Pavilion. Get into the autumn mood at the Corley Ranch Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival. Warm your belly and your heart at the Douglas County Empty Bowls dinner this evening. See all the activities below.

SUNDAY: