Nevada offers visitors new memories to launch 2016

Nevada’s New Year’s resolution is to ensure that travelers go home with more stories than souvenirs. With the lineup of events scheduled in early 2016, that is sure to ring true. As always, Nevada will offer fun, unique events for visitors of all interests and ages that will guarantee unforgettable experiences. Kick off the New Year at one of these Nevada-only events:

WFG Continental Cup of Curling, Las Vegas, January 14-17, 2016
Curling professionals from around the world will compete for the ultimate title at the 2016 WFG Continental Cup at the famous Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The 2016 event has already broken attendance records and will feature two U.S. teams who, among the other teams, will compete against the current titleholders, Team Canada.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko, January 25-30, 2016
Of all the historically quirky characteristics Nevada in known for, cowboy poetry is one of the best. The 32nd National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held annually in Elko, will host thousands of cowboy poets and cowboy poetry fans to celebrate ranching and the rural West. In addition to poetry, music and dancing, attendees can experience traditional Western culture through two-stepping, Basque food and old-fashioned storytelling, all amidst some of the most famous cowboy poets ever known.

Eagles and Agriculture, Carson Valley, February 18-21, 2016
Nature lovers can get their winter fill of bird watching all in one weekend at the annual Eagles and Agriculture celebration in Carson Valley. Attendees will have a once-a-year chance to observe raptors, including bald eagles, that visit the ranching area each winter during calving season and will get exclusive access to ranches for viewing. The event is comprised of several tours, sessions and dinners for all types of birders and wildlife fans.

Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo, Winnemucca, March 2-6, 2016
A weekend full of rodeo fun, the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo is the largest ranch hand rodeo in Nevada and features 30 teams competing in saddle bronc riding, steer stopping, wild mugging, trailer loading, team roping, ranch doctoring and team branding. Visitors can attend most events for free and even purchase a performance horse of their own at the weekend’s Ranch, Rope & Performance Horse Sale.

North Lake Tahoe SnowFest, North Lake Tahoe, March 4-13, 2016
Since 1982, skiiers and snowboarders have flooded North Lake Tahoe ski resorts for 10 days of fun activities like snow sculpting and Whacky Human Bowling. Area resorts, including Diamond Peak and Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, offer visitors on-snow events and races. From parties and concerts to parades and fine dining, there is something for everyone at SnowFest.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, Henderson, March 11-13, 2016
In its 50th year, the Southern Nevada Sons & Daughters of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is expected to be full of good times. Authentic Irish culture will be on display at the parade, and guests can enjoy carnival rides and entertainment throughout the weekend. Many activities are free of charge, including a car show that features beautifully restored rides from the past.

Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, Virginia City, March 12, 2016
One of the most popular tasting contests in Nevada, the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry brings more than 3,000 people into Virginia City for a cook-off of 20 oyster chefs. The winners go down in history as some of the best Rocky Mountain Oyster cooks in the West. This annual event, which is in its 25th year, is followed by a St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the middle of the historic town.

For more on Nevada travel experiences, visit www.TravelNevada.com.

The Nevada Division of Tourism (TravelNevada) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It promotes and markets Nevada as a tourism destination for domestic and international leisure and business travelers through its marketing and advertising programs and by coordinating partnerships between public and private entities. TravelNevada also administers grant programs for local entities to market travel and tourism offerings and publishes Nevada Magazine.