Sassafras

Wine walk weekend is almost upon us, along with the kick-off of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival featuring more than 100 musicians in over 60 events in just fifteen days. Hot August Nights is heating up and will be stopping at Minden Park for their Poker Run lunch. Sing your heart out during karaoke at Living the Good Life or Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Join Muscle Powered on an early morning hike to Secret Harbor or a late afternoon bike ride.

I can understand if your plans for the weekend include sitting half-naked in front of a swamp cooler with an icy beverage. It has been quite roasty these last few days. Let me, however, attempt to lure you out with this weekend’s event list; there is plenty of fun to be found around the valley. Some of your options even include air conditioning and icy beverages.

SATURDAY:

Summer is in full blaze out there. Treat yourself to something cold at Dairy Queen; their Miracle Treat Day donates a dollar per Blizzard to the Miracle Children’s Hospitals. See what the talented kids of Strings in the Schools have been up to this summer at their free concert inside the Carson Mall. ‘Always Lost: A Meditation on War’ is an art exhibit from Western Nevada College that has travelled the country.

Sunday is the last chance for celebrity sightings at Edgewood Golf Resort in at south shore Lake Tahoe as the American Century Celebrity Championship tournament comes to a close. Learn about the legacy of Douglas County’s Dangberg family from the rancher’s grandson, author Steve Archard. Locals enjoy a special price on the Virginia and Truckee steam train, or the McKeen Motor car at the Nevada Railroad Museum.

SUNDAY:

I really hope I’m not required to choose a favorite event. I would be hard pressed to choose between the Nevada Day Parade and the annual Taste of Downtown. Luckily, I can adore them both, and for much the same reason. They are a celebration of community, of Carson City, of our historic downtown and all that it has to offer. In addition to 'The Taste', the Brewery Arts Center goes country with the Southern Drawl Band on its outdoor stage, and Madam Curry leads another downtown Ghost Walk. Continue reading for all that our valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

On July 9, Carson Animal Services Initiative, also known as CASI, had the pleasure of hosting our annual Bark, Whine and Dine fundraiser at Fuji Park, and because of our incredible community, it was once again a huge success.

Did you miss the Community Art Night last month? Never fear, Artsy Fartsy and the Charlie B Art Galleries are teaming up again for a night of art, food trucks, and more in Telegraph Square downtown. Dress as your favorite superhero for Gardnerville’s Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk. Enjoy ice cream and a concert by the Capital City Community Band at the First United Methodist Church on Musser St. Close out the evening with karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

THURSDAY:

The second annual Sassabration Festival, sponsored and organized by Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, kicked off this morning at 11 a.m. with a parade of bicycles, whose riders left the Brewery Arts Center on King Street and paraded to the Carson Hot Springs Resort on Old Hot Springs Road in Northeast Carson City.

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. The Senior Follies have taken over the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Kids won’t want to miss the Capitol City Triathlon: swim, bike, and run your way to the winner’s circle. Celebrate community at the second annual Sassabration and don't forget your bathing suit: the Carson Hot Springs will be free from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Find a feline friend at the Nevada Humane Society’s free adoption weekend. Keep reading for everything our valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

If you hear some great music downtown, then you’re probably near Café at Adele’s. Tower of Power hits the stage for the annual Concert Under the Stars to benefit the Greenhouse Project. Grab some grub for a good cause at Buffalo Wild Wings: LBL Equine Rescue is holding a fundraiser. Take an easy ride with Muscle Powered; tonight’s ride is perfect for beginners. If you’ve got kids, Frozen is tonight’s choice for the Carson Library movie night. Classic car aficionados should head to Bully’s if they want to join in this week’s Silver Dollar Cruise Night.

THURSDAY:

In this week's edition of It's Your City, host Cortney Bloomer talks with Zack Hames about the upcoming second annual Sassabration Festival on Saturday, July 16 from noon to 9 p.m. at Sassafras, 1500 Old Hot Springs Road.

The event features food, friendship, entertainment, vendors, a bicycle parade and free swimming at The Carson Hot Springs. The festival is a celebration of unity, diversity and community. See the video below.

It is the eleventh day of the seventh month and that means free slurpee day at 7-Eleven. There are few better ways to celebrate a sunny, summer day than with a cold, slushy beverage. Head over to the Carson Library for a fun adventure into science with ‘Up, Up, and Away’: smoke rings, hot air balloons, and more. The members of the High Desert Swing Dance Club get together on Monday at El Charro Avita to dance the night away.

Compared to the last few weekends, Carson City is downright sleepy. That just makes it much easier to get around town and explore. Head to Mills Park for the First Annual Polynesian Festival in the Marv Teixeira Pavillion. Glen Eagles welcomes back the Regional Chili Cook-off this weekend; get your fill of some amazing grub and help raise funds for Honor Flight Nevada. Catch one of last few performances of Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s Aladdin, Jr. Continue reading for other great ways to spend your time.

SATURDAY:

The great day about three-day weekends is how quickly the next weekend appears. Thursday in Carson City offers fun stuff like live music at Living the Good Life and Sassafras, karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, and the Silver Dollar Classic Car Cruise night. Monty Python lovers should audition for ‘Spamalot’ at the Brewery Arts Center. The Novelists make an appearance at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historical Park as part of their Twilight Concert series; you’ll want to bring a chair or blanket. Don’t miss your last chance to see the CCAI exhibit by Nancy Raven at the BRIC.

A sign at the front entrance to Carson Hot Springs Resort notifies customers of construction noise, but that doesn't seem to bother patrons of the mineral pools, Resort Manager Keith Shellhamer said.

Holy moly. Carson City is hopping with fun times for everyone. Enjoy Saturday downtown with the Third and Curry Farmers Market, the Downtown Business Association Wine Walk, and a free concert at the Brewery Arts Center. Mills Park features the return of the RSVP Carnival with rides, food, booths, games, and more.

Happy Thursday, Carson City. You won't want to miss out on Cedrick Williams' last performance of the summer at Living the Good Life. Enjoy an outdoor concert with the Sagebrush Rebels at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. You’ll find it located on Highway 88, just past the swimming pool in Minden, and remember to bring a chair. The Trippin King Snakes make their monthly appearance at the Carson Cigar Company for June’s Birthday Thursday. If you didn’t get your hot rod fix at the Rockabilly Riot, head to the Max Casino for Silver Dollar Cruise Night.

THURSDAY:

Need some ideas to get past the workweek hump? Some fresh fruits and veggies at the Wednesday Evening Farmers Market aren't a bad place to start. Karaoke at Crossroads Lounge is hosted by J and M Productions: they have 60,000 songs to choose from. Trivia junkies won't want to miss the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz at Westside Pour House. “So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you.” Don't miss out on seeing Gene Wilder on the big screen: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is at Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY:

If you thought that things were going to get quiet around town, I regret to inform you that there is one more incredible weekend on the horizon. The bicycles are off the hills, the rat-rods have sputtered home, but Independence Day weekend is next on the list. Rest up and start planning for fireworks. Mondays in Carson City are relatively quiet, but Ed's Doghouse is standing by with mimosa specials, Carson Lanes will let you bowl all day for $1 a game, and the Nevada Artists Association at the Brewery Art Center has a new show in the gallery that it would love you to come see.

Last weekend the cyclists ruled our city, but now the hot-rodders are king of the road. The Rockabilly Riot is jam-packed with activities all over town: the races and booths at Mills Park; a street dance at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar; a tattoo show in the Community Center; a free concert at Gold Dust West; and Burlesque at the Nugget. Don’t think that’s all our valley has to offer, though, keep reading for all this weekend’s fun.

SATURDAY:

The Rockabilly Riot roars into town today and it’s bring cool cars, a tattoo expo, music, contests, pin-up girls, and so much more. Check it out at Mills Park and make sure to catch the talented officers competing in this year’s Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge while you’re there. The kids in town are getting a new Teen Center at the Boys and Girls Club: the ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m. You’ll find author Mike White at the Nevada State Museum this evening. His presentation on the best backpacking trips in Nevada and California is part of the Francis Humphrey Lecture Series.

Happy Wednesday, Carson City. A huge shout-out to the Carson City Arts and Culture Coalition: their Focus on Carson Photography Contest has concluded and the winners will be featured on a banner at Telegraph and Curry. The installation goes up at 10:30 a.m. today, and they could use a hand or two. The Wednesday Evening Farmers Market is in full swing and hits Third and Curry at 4 p.m.

The first full moon of June is known as the Strawberry Moon. The fact that it coincides with the summer solstice today is pretty rare indeed: a once in a lifetime occurrence. Enjoy this first day of summer and keep some water handy: things are heating up this week.

Planes, trains, and bicycles are the theme of this Fathers’ Day weekend. Epic Rides has taken over downtown with booths, bikes, beer, music, and more. The Carson City Airport is hosting their annual Fly-in and Open house, complete with hot air balloon rides. World War II aviation buffs won’t want to miss the Wings of Freedom tour at the Minden Airport. Steampunk meets Steam trains at the Nevada Railroad Museum. Keep reading for all of this weekend’s options for fun.

SATURDAY:

Step into the past today: the Pony Express re-ride is coming through town. It’s anticipated around 2 p.m. and you can follow their path online HERE. World War II buffs are going to love the Wings of Freedom tour at the Minden Airport; you have until Sunday afternoon to see the planes. Head to Telegraph Square downtown for the first Community Art Night sponsored by Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and the Charlie B. Gallery.

I hope everyone had a great weekend: the Nevada Fair, Farmers Market, and live music were just a few of the fun things that Carson offered. Begin your week with a visit to one of Carson City’s many art galleries: the Brewery Arts Center, the Courthouse, the Community Center, and the Visitor’s Center are just some of the venues. Head up to the Gold Hill Hotel for a Ghost Hunt, and stick around for dinner or a cocktail on their patio. Game night at Nerdvana is open to all board game lovers, but Game Night at Carson Cigar Company is meant only for those over 21.

MONDAY:

Let’s go to the Fair, Carson City. Mills Park is hopping with activity: a carnival, car show, exhibits, music, and a return of the Rendezvous. If you have kids, don’t miss this month’s Young Eagle Flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to sign up by 8 a.m. Start your day at the Third and Curry Farmers Market, and don’t forget to make your artistic mark on a handcrafted bowl for the Empty Bowls event. Read on for all of your weekend options.

SATURDAY:

Bike Month is only a third of the way through, but Bike Week in Carson City is coming to a close. For those taking their bike to work today, Comma Coffee and LA Bakery are offering a cup of joe on your way. Pedal your way to the Max Casino for the Grand Opening of the Black Bear Diner; you’re going to need your strength to get through this day full of fun stuff to do. The Nevada State Fair is in full swing and a street dance at the Pavilion starts at 6 p.m.

Thursday is something to celebrate. The long-awaited Nevada State Fair kicks off in Mills Park with a ribbon cutting by Governor Sandoval. Grab the kids, your friends, and family and enjoy carnival rides, county exhibits, civil war reenactments and much more. Our neighbors to the south are celebrating, too: the 106th Annual Carson Valley Days is this weekend. If you’re looking for something quieter, the lecture on the Civil War at the Gold Hill Hotel or an author’s talk on the Ghost Railroads of Central Nevada at the Nevada State Railroad Museum might be a better bet.

I hope no one accuses Wednesdays in Carson City to be boring: they're shaping up to be a happening little midweek reprieve. A new Farmers Market has sprouted on Third Street; Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz night at Westside Pour House tests your savvy; and a Jazz Jam at Living the Good Life will get you jiving. The Firkin and Fox offers up Jack Daniels as this month's Whiskey Wednesday spirit. Speaking of whiskey, Americana/roots rock performer Stacy Jones hits the stage at Sassafras during her 'Whiskey in the West' tour.

WEDNESDAY: Bike to Work Week