Sassafras

This weekend is for all of the moms out there, and the dads that are also moms, and the women who hold a special place of honor in our hearts. Scoop the family up and find something to enjoy together. The annual RSVP Spring Carnival is an easy choice, but a round-trip to Virginia City on the historic V and T Steam Train is pretty memorable. Find something pretty for her garden at the Spring Plant Sale that the Greenhouse Project hosts each year. Keep reading, there’s plenty of family fun this weekend, and adult fun if you’ve found yourself a babysitter.

SATURDAY:

And just like that, the mercury has slid back down the thermometer. You'll want to have a jacket handy for the RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival at Mills Park, but otherwise, most of this evening's fun takes place indoors. Only four shows remain if you'd like to see Western Nevada Musical Theater Company's production of 'Nice Work If You Can Get It.' Brewery Arts Center hosts rising comedian, K-Von, for a night of laughs. Get on the dance floor at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Betty Rocker and Raksha Paksha take the stage at this free show. Keep reading - the weekend has just begun.

I’m in love with sunshiny days. Unfortunately, something cloudy is around the corner, so please embrace what today gives us – as Northern Nevadans, we know that the weather is fickle. Thursdays offer up karaoke at Westside Pour House and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar – too much fun for a weekday. You may have noticed the hullaballoo at Mills Park; the annual Mothers’ Day Carnival opens tonight, and all of the rides are only one dollar each thanks to the generosity of Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota Scion.

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet. I can tell you where to find some fun, down on Carson Street. Mile High Jazz Band at Comma Coffee is the hot ticket tonight. Such a beautiful day in store, they’ll probably be in the courtyard. Our rivers and reservoirs are filled to the brim: if you ever wanted to learn more about fly-fishing, this is probably a good time for it. The Carson City Fly Fishing Club meets monthly at the Carson City Airport and is a perfect choice for those who already love or are curious about the sport.

TUESDAY:

Get your fill of sunshine today, we’ve got a wet wine walk weekend coming. The stars will be shining bright tonight, though, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts its spring musical ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ complete with amazing choreography, melodies, and an exceptional cast. Cinco de Mayo parties all over town offer up food and drink specials, in addition to the fun times that can usually be found on a Friday night. Start the day with a cup of joe or a yummy blended drink at Dutch Brothers Coffee and you’ll be helping find a cure for ALS.

So many things deserve to be in this first sentence: do I mention the annual West Side Bike Month Cruiser Ride, make a Star Wars pun about May the Fourth, or focus on the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony? What I love most about Carson City is our ability to be outdoorsy, patriotic, geeky, and none of the above - all at the same time. If you don’t find something you absolutely have to check out in today’s “Things to Do”, please look at my list again in a day or two, or sometime next week.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. The valley is abuzz in blooming flowers and happenings. Tag along with one of the guided planned walks today; the afternoon one will prove more challenging, but perfect for getting ready for summer. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club showcases a different film each month: catch Bette Davis in ‘Of Human Bondage’ tonight at the BAC’s Performance Hall. Even more awaits if you keep reading, including Penguin Taco Tuesday at Westside Pour House.

TUESDAY:

Take advantage of the spring sunshine and seize the day. Virginia City roars with the sound of their annual Grand Prix. Beer and brats aren’t usually associated with ballet, but the Sierra Nevada Ballet makes the annual event at the Brewery Arts Center a great time for all. The Earth Spirit Faire wraps up its weekend of wellness at the Community Center. Head to Reno for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration at the Grand Sierra that features musicians, cuisine, and carnival rides.

SUNDAY:

Chef David Stern is literally counting the hours until his new restaurant opens its doors in downtown Carson City.

Hold on to your hat, the weekend is here. If it’s a cowboy hat, head over to Genoa for their annual Cowboy Festival. Plenty of free things to see, hear, and experience await. The annual Spring Earth Spirit Faire lets you celebrate Mother Earth with workshops, holistic practitioners, great vendors, and a raffle. It benefits the Heart to Heart School and Advocates to End Domestic Violence so it’s always worth checking out. You’ll have to keep reading for all of your choices, the spring thaw brings out the best this valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

I hope you didn't blow away. Yesterday's wind gusts were fierce. Take it easy today and enjoy what Thursday has to offer. The monthly lecture at the Nevada State Museum brings Levi Strauss to life. A hike along the Wellness Trail with Muscle Powered will get the blood flowing. Let Chili's take care of dinner and you'll be lending a hand to the Douglas County Special Olympics.

THURSDAY:

• -- Local Government Day AND Alumni Day at the Nevada State Legislature

As the week rolls along, it’s easy to get excited about the weekend. Genoa’s Cowboy Festival takes over the tiny town with music, poetry, artisans, food, and fun and the Comstock hills will roar to life with motorbikes during the annual Virginia City Grand Prix. While you’re waiting, enjoy a jaunt with Muscle Powered along the Carson River or take an Easy Walk to the Pioneer Cemetery. Tonight, songstress Canyon White will take the stage at Living the Good Life.

TUESDAY:

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Well, thank goodness it's Friday. Carson City will help you decompress and forget your troubles. Students, K-12 and University, will enjoy the free swim day at the Carson Hot Springs. The Carson Nugget is turning into quite the downtown hotspot with a different headlining comedian each Friday, in addition to live music in two places. Check out their newest offering, the Beer Bar, during tonight's grand opening. So much more awaits you today, you'll just have to see what strikes your fancy.

FRIDAY:

Carson City is smoking hot when it comes to great things to do today. Capital City Farm Days takes over Fuji Park with information and presentations for area schoolkids. The Youth Strings Program is ready to dazzle you their Spring Fling Concert tonight at the Community Center. Photographer Fred Howland goes black and white at a special show at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. Join Sassafras in welcoming Country singer/songwriter Savannah King for a special one-night only show. You’ll want to keep reading, this is just a small preview of the day’s offerings.

THURSDAY:

The Carson Visitor’s Center has put together a great art walk pamphlet that helps you explore our downtown culture. The Legislature is home to a few rotating galleries; you’ll find lots of local art at the Brewery Arts Center; and Capital City Arts Initiative sponsors shows at the Courthouse, Community Center and in the Community Development building by City Hall. Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors activities, today has something to offer.

Strike a pose, Carson City, it’s the Nevada Library Association’s Snapshot Day. Try to swing by today to help your Library capture the many reasons we enjoy them; you may just find something new to explore. Carson High Performing Arts opens their show ‘Godspell’ tonight in the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Break a leg to our young thespians; they’ll be performing Friday and Saturday, as well.

Spring is what you make of it. It’s not going to be that warm today, but it’ll be dry, so embrace the day. Tuesdays are for hiking and biking in Carson. The morning easy walk will take you from Mills Park to the Capitol and the afternoon conditioning hike will give you well-deserved views from C-Hill. Now that we’ve warmed up some, the Tuesday evening ladies’ ride in Ash Canyon has started up again: don’t forget your helmet. Congratulations to Mile High Jazz Band for 16 years of monthly concerts at Comma Coffee. Enjoy a night of great music, yummy drinks, and a birthday cake to celebrate.

The Littlest Things in Carson City is more than a petting zoo, it’s a refuge. You’ll find ponies, goats, puppies, ducks, and more at this great non-profit rescue and they are always looking for animal-loving volunteers. Stop by their open house/volunteer orientation this afternoon to check it out. It’s Tartan Day at the Legislature, so don’t be alarmed if you see a few kilts around town. Karaoke at Jimmy G’s, live music at Glen Eagles and Living the Good Life, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley are just a sample of tonight’s offerings. Read on and you’ll know all that Carson has to offer.

You’ll want to read today’s list, fun stuff all over and something for everyone. Psst… Daytonites… Your kids are on spring break right now, and Carson has some great ways to keep them entertained. Younger ones will enjoy a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; Tuesdays feature a story and craft activity that’s included with admission. A quick trip to the Galaxy Theater website gets you a rewards card good for Tuesday discount tickets. The Deputy Howell Memorial Musical Festival is holding a volunteer organization meeting tonight at Battle Born Harley.

I’m hoping that April brings more than just showers. Not that I don’t love the spring flowers, but I’m really ready for some sunshine. Start off the month with a clean kitchen: let the Elks Club take care of breakfast. Grab your guitar, tambourine, ukulele, or vocal chords and join the A to Zen Music Jam. Head ‘North by Northwest’ at the Galaxy Theater. The classic thriller is on the big screen at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY:

It may be April’s Fools Day, but the fun going on around town is no joke. Get your blood pumping with the Carson Canyon Half Marathon (or Half/Half Marathon if you want something shorter.) It’s Wine Walk weekend, and with the sunny day you have no reason to stay home. The Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers want to ‘Give Our Regards to Broadway’ during their one weekend only production. There’s too much to mention in this short opening paragraph, so keep reading for all the great things our valley and sister valleys have to offer.

SATURDAY:

I hope nobody thought Thursdays were boring: this list will prove them quite very wrong. Art Galleries galore, an author meet/greet, and book discussion, karaoke, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley. I love Carson City for the wonderful diversity in our many varied interests. Our local game shop, Hydra’s Lair, invites you to movie night. If Star Wars III isn’t your style, then” our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive.”

THURSDAY:

We’ve got a wonderful Wednesday ahead. Learn about your true colors at the Chamber of Commerce’s Soup’s On luncheon. Get your boogie on at Carson Lanes: country dance lessons are every Tuesday and Wednesday in their Eleventh Frame Lounge. It’s a jazzy night at Living the Good Life or rockin with Ev Musselman at the Max Casino. The upcoming Citywide Film Competition is the focus of this month’s Wired Wednesday meeting. If you have interest in digital arts and filmmaking, then you are welcome to join in the fun.

WEDNESDAY:

It seems like overnight the crabapples have exploded into bloom. Take advantage of a beautiful day by joining one of the walks organized every Tuesday. An easy walk with Parks and Rec will take you along a portion of the Mexican Ditch Trail today. The Muscle Powered walk in early evening is more strenuous. Fathers will want to get moving if they plan on taking their daughter to the Carson High Father Daughter Dance this Friday. Swing by the High School office between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for tickets or shoot an email to teacher Angila Golek to make sure they’re waiting at will call.

Like many of you, I have a weather app on my phone. It says to expect some snow this morning, so I’m hoping it’s a liar. Make Monday easy on yourself and let the Pizza Factory take care of dinner. A portion of today’s proceeds will be donated to Paul Guzetta, a 36 year old local man who is battling an infection in intensive care. Lending a hand to his wife and kids during this tough time is as easy as ordering a pizza (or one of their yummy salads or pasta.) Once you have a full, happy belly, check out karaoke at the Fox Brewpub or swing dance night at El Charro Avita.

Eight Carson City businesses were checked Tuesday for alcohol compliance with two businesses selling to a minor, according to the Carson City's Sheriff's Office.

Today is a day to give big. A one day fundraising drive for our favorite non-profit charities is happening right now, whether it’s animals, arts. Kids, veterans, or the environment. Thursdays also mean a fun night at Jimmy G’s Karaoke. The Trippin King Snakes help celebrate everyone with a March birthday at the Cigar Bar (AKA Carson Cigar Co.) If you have a two wheeled mistress, the Bike Night at Battle Born Harley may be up your alley.

THURSDAY:

I hope everyone enjoyed the sunshine while it was here, more rain is on the way. Take those spring-breakers to a movie; Galaxy Theater rewards members can enjoy $6.50 movies all day today. Sip something yummy at the Courtyard by Marriott during their wine tasting and open house. Normally the Carson City Photo Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, but due to a scheduling conflict, the meeting is tonight. Dues are only $15 a year and you’ll get the chance to enter their monthly competitions: this month the theme is ‘Winter.’

TUESDAY:

Irish eyes are smiling on us: it’s going to be a gorgeous day. You won’t have to look far for some green beer, whiskey, or corned beef – there will be St. Patrick’s Day parties all over. Live music is on the menu, as well. Choose from Men of Worth at the Brewery Arts Center, an all ages punk show at Sassafras, or Stereo Galaxy in the McFadden Plaza, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The brave ones will be at the St. Baldrick Fundraiser at Red’s Old 395 where you’ll see some heads shaved for a good cause. Where ever you end up, just make sure you have a plan to get home safely.

Now that the sun has come out, the month is just flying by. St Patrick’s Day is tomorrow, with the first day of spring on Monday. Find some new art to love at the Artsy Fartsy Artist Meet and Greet. With two story times and Lego Club today, the Carson Library has your little ones covered. Treat yourself to dinner out and lend a hand to the Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation with the Give Back Event at Chili’s. Get that chopper out of the garage and head over to Battle Born Harley for Bike Night with beer pong, pool, and more.