I Love Carson City’s Weekend Event Summary: May 5 - 6

Not a cloud in the sky, and yet we have been hit by a perfect storm: Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Day, and the monthly wine walk have all collided. Let me tell you, downtown is going to be hopping, not to mention the Early Season Farmers Market making its seasonal debut in the parking lot at W. Musser and N. Nevada – just behind Due Sorella. Take the kids down to Bailys Pond at Fuji Park for the annual Tom Brooks Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day. A trip to the train museum comes with the opportunity to ride on the Historic McKeen Motor Car.

SATURDAY: Kentucky Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo

• — ‘Supporting History’ Ninth Annual Carson City Historic Resources Scavenger Hunt: for participation packet and more info, go to http://carson.org/hrc -This year we are focusing on columns, posts, pillars, or pedestals
• — ‘Drive One For Your School’ Fundraiser in the Carson High School North Parking Lot (8am-2pm; The school is looking for up to 500 drivers to come out and test drive any of the new Ford vehicles; We will also feature a small rally style course for volunteers to test out the all new EcoSport; Drivers, one per household, must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license; This is NOT a sales event and Ford will donate $20 per participating driver to the Carson High Boys Basketball Program, up to $6000)
• — Coffee and Donuts with Experimental Aircraft Association, Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am-12pm, all welcome)
• — Tom Brooks Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day at Baily Fishing Pond at Fuji Park: enter between Rodeo Grounds and Fuji Park (9am-1pm; First 100 kids, ages 12 and under, will receive a free brown bag lunch and a chance to win prizes; kids over 12 need a valid fishing license; Bring your fishing gear - bait and hooks provided, limited poles available; Fishing, education, Gyotaku fish painting, archery, Nevada Nosh Food Truck and more; hosted by Carson City Host Lions Club)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — First of the Year: Early Spring Farmers Market at the corner of Musser and N. Nevada St, behind Due Sorella (9am-1pm; no dogs allowed)
• — Basic Birdwatching at Dayton State Park in the Group Use Area: Hwy 50 E, Dayton (9am-10am; park entry $5 per vehicle, Please use the self-pay station at the park entrance - Cash or check only; Birdwatchers will be introduced to the variety of birds at the park before making their way along the Carson River to see many of them firsthand. A limited number of binoculars and bird guides will be provided, and participants may bring their own; dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes and bring a hat, water, sun protection and insect repellant; pets are not recommended)
• — Seventh annual Holy Smoker Car/Bike Show and BBQ Fundraiser at the Trinity Lutheran Church: 1480 Douglas Ave, Gardnerville (9am-2pm; arrive early for vehicle registration - $25 includes lunch; BBQ Tri-tip Lunch $20 adults, $40 family of four, $6 children 4-12; clothing and household item drive for FISH; donations will benefit the TLC Memorial and Veterans Garden)
• — Monthly meeting of F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) in the back room at Comma Coffee (NEW TIME: 9:30am-11am; F.E.A.T. or 'Families for Effective Autism Treatment' is a group of parents who formed an organization in the Carson Valley for support and advocacy to help families with children who have received the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder; open to anyone who loves someone with autism)

The Western Nevada College Veterans organize a memorial and awareness walk every year to bring attention to a very real killer in our midst. Please pass along this toll-free national suicide hotline number to anyone you think may need to know that they are not alone: 1-800-273-8255

• — Fourth annual Western Nevada College Veterans Suicide Awareness March - meet at the corner of College Parkway and North Carson Street in the Bully’s Parking Lot (10am-1pm; 2.3 mile roundtrip walk goes up College Parkway to Western Nevada College and back; After arriving on campus, participants will place small American flags on the college’s front lawn to show solidarity with those who serve. Participation is free and donations will be accepted)
• — Monthly Parking Lot Sale at Dog-Eared Books: 361 Fairview Dr, across from Lowe’s (10am-4pm, weather permitting; Purchase a reusable bag for $5 and stuff it with as many books at it will hold)
• — NEA Big Read - True Grit Kickoff Weekend and Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Carson City Library (10am-4pm; Free copy of True Grit the novel, with your library card while supplies last; Live music and radio station feed, International Folkloric Dancers, Carson City Classic Cinema Club sign up table, La Enchilada food truck, and more; Debbie and Rachael Lambin of ‘My Thousand Words’ book sculptures will teach you to create your own ‘True Grit’ inspired book sculpture – all materials provided, no registration required)
• — Mind, Body, and Mimosas with Meghan at the Union: 302 N. Carson (10am; $12 suggested donation; Vinyasa Flow Style Yoga; Bring your mind, body, and mat; After class, we encourage you to join us for mimosas)
• — Grand Opening Celebration at Urban Thrift and Out of My Mindesigns Fabric Shop: 411 Hot Springs Rd, Ste 1 (10am-5pm; food and special prices; class sign-ups and demonstrations)
• — Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture; books are not included; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program)
• — Mother's Day Craft Fair at the Carson Mall (10am-6pm)
• — Movie Day: Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (10am; rated PG-13; movie and popcorn are free; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)

The Carson Valley is anything but sleepy once the spring thaw hits. Grab something new for your garden at the open house and plant faire at Heritage Park. The Young Chautauquans have a special performance during today’s free admission family day at the Carson Valley Cultural Center and Museum.

• — Annual Open House and Plant Faire at Heritage Park Gardens: 1461 Ezell St, Gardnerville (10am-2pm; Starter plants will be available with a donation and kids' activities start at 11am)
• — Kid and Volunteer Sign-ups for the 29th Annual Kids' Fishing Derby at Walgreens: 1342 Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville (10am-1pm; Fishing Derby is June 3-4 at Lampe Park, open to children ages 3-12; registration and volunteer forms also available at the Douglas Co. Community Center)
• — Auditions for the Carson Valley Community Theater’s ‘Radio Memories III’ at The Annex at the Carson Valley Arts Council Building: 1572 Hwy 395 N, Minden- next to Coffee on Main (10am; Radio shows do not require memorizing lines since the cast reads directly from the script. A few singers are needed. Have a song from the 1940’s prepared. Bring your own CD; for further information, contact Margaret Edson, Director, 775-720-7186)
• — Family Day at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (free museum admission 10am-3pm;; 10am-12pm Iris Blaisdell presents “Trail to the Promised Land: History Geared for Kids” part three of a three-part series; 1pm-3pm Story Telling with Nancy Raven: “Every Family Has a Story to Tell” includes complimentary coffee and pie; 1pm Young Chautauqua will perform “Home Means Nevada” followed by a reception)
• — Opening Weekend: McKeen Motor Car Rides and Story time at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Museum open 9am-4:30pm, admission for adults is $6, children under 18 are free; Story times: 10:30am for ages 0-5, 11:30am for ages 4-10 - Enjoy an age appropriate fun book and craft; Motor Car Rides available from 10am-4pm and last approximately 35 minutes – Fares are $8 for ages 12 and over; $4 for museum members and ages 4-11, and free for ages 3 and under- The Virginia & Truckee McKeen Motor Car is currently the only fully-restored and operable McKeen Motor Car in existence)
• — Talk Derby to Me: Kentucky Derby Party at the Fox Brewpub (11am-4pm; $20 includes a Mint Julep in Collector Copper Cup- while supplies last; 1pm Corn on the Cob eating Contest; Derby Hat Contest and a raffle)
• — Mother’s Day Craft Fair in the Carson Nugget Parking Lot (11am-5pm; free admission Handmade crafts, Jewelry, Purses, Bling, Beauty, Makeup, Clothes, Health and Wellness, Home Decor, Raffles, and more)

The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department has a whole slew of new activities for the community, including guided hikes. Get up close and sort of personal with the sheep tasked with keeping our flammable grasses to a minimum while learning even more about our ecology.

• — Trail-Graze Guided Hike – Meet us at the end of Carlisle Court, the sheep will be on Kings Canyon at the end of Longview Way (11:30am; "EWE" are invited on a guided hike to view the grazing sheep in Carson City! Join us to hear from experts about how the city is utilizing sheep to reduce wildfire risks, invasive weed identification, and local environmental history; hosted by Carson City Parks and Recreation)
• — Noon Music with CW at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (12pm-2pm; original swing and honky tonk songs)
• — Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino parking lot, Reno (12pm-8pm, carnival open 12pm-10pm; admission $10, $5 kids/seniors – admission price does not include carnival rides; Latin musicians and dancers, Mexican dancing horse performances, amateur boxing bouts, over 100 vendors, community information and Mexican cuisine; Free face painting, games and prizes for kids)
• — History Talk: Braving the California Trail through Nevada at Mormon Station State Historic Park, Genoa (12:30pm; free, all ages; A park interpreter will discuss what made travel through the Great Basin of Nevada so arduous for wagon trains, and will also explore topics such as the forty-mile desert, the Humboldt River and the legend of the Buenaventura River)
• — Rain or Shine: the Downtown Business Association's monthly Wine Walk: sign up at The Carson Nugget, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Touched By Angels, Purple Avocado, Cactus Jacks Casino, The Brewery Arts Center, or Comma Coffee (1pm-5pm, raffle at 5pm sharp in the Carson Nugget Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar; $15 includes an official wine walk glass or $10 with the official wine walk glass from a previous walk)
• — Wine Walk Special Events: Live Music with Hallie Kirk at Comma Coffee; Art Demonstration by Mimi Gomberg at the Carson City Art Gallery, Artisan Meet and Greet Mothers’ Day Shopping at the Espresso Yourself Café in the Brewery Arts Center; Local authors Karen Dustman, Laurie Hickey and Judy Wickwire will be on hand presenting their new book about 'The Old Genoa Cemetery' at Morley’s Books; Mothers’ Day Craft Fair in the Carson Nugget Parking Lot
• — First Saturday Family Movie: The Lion King at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2pm; rated G; movie and popcorn are free; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• — Bar BINGO at NV Ugly: 1433 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (2pm; free to play, win bar swag and drinks)
• — Kentucky Derby Party at Buckaroo’s: 1435 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (begins at 2pm; drink specials and prize for best lady’s hat)
• — Kentucky Derby Party at the Washoe Camp Saloon: 3155 Eastlake Blvd, New Washoe City (3pm Derby Hat contest; drink specials, specialty tacos)

Kentucky Derby Day! Don your most outrageous bonnet, enjoy a mint julep, place a few bucks down on your favorite pony. The Fox Brewpub has been throwing a great shin-dig for years.

• — Artist's Reception - Oil Paintings of Alex Perez at GadZooks!: 1492 Hwy 395 #104, Gardnerville (5pm-7pm; refreshments served)
• — Live Music with Doug Lubuskin at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• —Live Music at Bella Fiore Wines (6pm-9pm)
• — Weekly Star Party and Telescope Viewing at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave, off Murphy Drive (7pm-10:30pm; free; star viewing by telescopes begins at sunset; Weather permitting)
• — Live Music: Stonewood in the A to Zen ‘Zen Den’: 1803 N. Carson St. (doors 6pm; 7pm start; $5 cover, you get $5 store credit; all ages; Stonewood features acoustic originals and favorites played by Craig Smith, Gary Fritz, Eddie Freitas, and Gary Fields)
• — Live Music with the Soul Lads at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• — Cinco de Mayo Party with live music by Halfway Decent at NV Ugly: 1433 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (7pm; no cover, 21+)

You’d be surprised at how much trouble some bloomers can cause. The Carson Valley Community Theater is almost done with their production of Steve Martin’s take on ‘The Underpants,’ where one’s unmentionables become hilarious.

• — Carson Valley Community Theatre presents Steve Martin’s ‘The Underpants’ at the CVIC Hall: 1604 Esmerelda, Minden (7:30pm; General Admission $15)
• — Rock 'n Bowl Night at Carson Lanes Family Fun Center (7pm-11pm; music and laser lights; Bowling Discounts for groups of 10 or more)
• — Rock’n and Bowl’n at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (8pm-11:45pm; $10-$14 includes two hours of bowling and more; disco lights, fog machine and lots of prizes)
• — Comedian Rodney Norman headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget (doors open 7:15pm, show starts 8pm; $15; purchase tickets at the Guest Services Desk; must be 21+)
• — Karaoke hosted by J and M Productions at the Spoke Bar and Grill: 3198 Hwy 50 E (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music with the Rebekah Chase Band at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music featuring Cliff Porter’s Full Blast in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• — Live Music with the Soul Persuaders at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (8:30pm; no cover)
• — Live Music with the Trippin King Snakes at the Ponderosa Saloon, Virginia City (8:30pm)
• — Live Music with Escalade at ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• — Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• — Cinco de Mayo Party with DJ MoBeatz at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+; all day beer and drink specials)
• — DJ Dance Party at the Sage Lounge inside Battle Born Social: 318 N. Carson St. (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+; Live DJs, Electronic Dance Music)

‘Bike Month’ has returned to our valley and that means some incredible community events. Let’s kick it off with the annual ‘Tour of Carson’ brought to you by Bike Habitat and Muscle Powered – just don’t forget your helmet. The Carson City Big Read events continue with an afternoon of cowboy-themed songs, crafts, and fun at the Children’s Museum. Silver City, that 25-mile-an-hour blip on the way to Virginia City is actually a pretty happening little arty spot. Their newest ‘Artist in Residence,’ Megan Berner will be teaching a little bit about the artistic process of cyanotype during today’s meet and greet the artist reception.

SUNDAY:

• — ‘Supporting History’ Ninth Annual Carson City Historic Resources Scavenger Hunt: for participation packet and more info, go to http://carson.org/hrc -This year we are focusing on columns, posts, pillars, or pedestals
• — First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 8am, breakfast 8:30am-11am; $8)
• — Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (NEW START TIME: meet at 8am; ride consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles; Riders usually split up into two groups (tortoises and hares) and each do 10-15 mile loops; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting site; email Shane: shane@shanetrotter.net with any questions)
• — Children's Day on the Comstock at Miner’s Park, Virginia City (8am-10am Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Peas and Carrots Child Care; Park opens at 11am, Free family activities 11am-3pm; kids games, face-painting, live music, prizes and much more)
• — Eleventh annual ‘Tour of Carson City’ bicycle ride with Muscle Powered and Bike Habitat – Begins and ends at Fuji Park (sign-up at 9am, ride begins at 9:40am; free and all welcome; tour around the perimeter of Carson City for a moderately paced 27-30 mile bike ride; Lunch will be catered by San Marcos Grill and served by the Carson Senators Mountain Bike Team following the ride; Muscle Powered membership sign-up available; Celebrate Bike Month and Bike Habitat’s eleventh anniversary)
• — Opening Weekend: Rides on the McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm, train runs every half hour 10am-4pm; museum admission $6, under 18 and FNSRM members free; The Virginia & Truckee McKeen Motor Car is currently the only fully-restored and operable McKeen Motor Car in existence - train rides $8 adults, $4 kids and FNSRM members)
• — Carson City BMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (Weather and Track Conditions Permitting; sign-ups 9am-10am, $10 per rider; please call/text 775-220-7111 if running late; must be USABMX member; one-day trial memberships and new rider kits available)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — Community Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $12 suggested donation; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• — Landscape Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Featured Artist Showcase displaying Nancy Clarke and Susan Christopher in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Annual Bowling ‘Golf’ Tournament at Carson Lanes (sign-up 9:30am, 10am start; $20 entry, walk ins welcome – this is an unsanctioned Tournament, so no average or experience required; prize fund and raffle; must be 18+)
• — Mother's Day Craft Fair at the Carson Mall (10am-5pm)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino parking lot, Reno (12pm-8pm, carnival open 12pm-10pm; admission $10, $5 kids/seniors – admission price does not include carnival rides; Latin musicians and dancers, Mexican dancing horse performances, amateur boxing bouts, over 100 vendors, community information and Mexican cuisine; Free face painting, games and prizes for kids)
• — Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at the Carson City Senior Center (doors 11:30am, game play 12:30pm-4pm; $10 buy in, extra packs $5, Special games $1 each; 50/50 raffle and door prizes; We have a 50/50 game and a Can Food Game all year round. Bring a can of food or a non-perishable item and we will give you a free game sheet for our Can Food game; lunch available; must be 21+)

I totally have a crush on Genoa, and I’d be surprised to find someone that doesn’t agree. Take a tour of the Mormon Station State Park with a ranger and learn a little more about the history. The summertime porch parties at Genoa Bar begin this afternoon with live music by Wanderlust.

• — Tour the Grounds with a Ranger at Mormon Station State Historic Park, Genoa (12:30pm; free, all ages; Join a park ranger for a guided tour of the grounds of Mormon Station State Historic Park, and learn about the fascinating history of this four-acre parcel of land)
• — Saddle Up with True Grit at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada (1pm-3pm; Saddle up and show your ‘True Grit’ as you enjoy face painting, balloon artistry, and a cowboy sock puppet workshop and sing along with Arts for Children of Nevada; Children will participate in a song-writing workshop with their puppets to create musical songs based on the movie ‘True Grit’; First 10 children ages 2-18 admitted free, museum admission: $6 ages 16-64, $4 ages 2-15, $5 seniors 65+, free for those 1 and younger)
• — Sunday Porch Party with Live Music by Wanderlust at Genoa Bar, Downtown Genoa (1pm-5pm; outdoor stage, fire pit, rum runner bar, and street tacos available from the Genoa Station Grill)
• — Flashback Cinema: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (2pm; $8.50 adults, $7.75 kids)
• — Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• — Weekly 9 Ball Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• — Final Performance: Carson Valley Community Theatre presents ‘Steve Martin’s The Underpants’ at the CVIC Hall: 1604 Esmerelda, Minden (2pm; General Admission $15)
• — "Introduction to Cyanotype" Workshop and Meet and Greet with Artist Megan Berner at the Silver City Schoolhouse Community Center: 385 High St., Silver City (2:30pm-4:30pm; Megan Berner is a visual artist who works with digital and experimental techniques such as instant film, digital transfers, and cyanotypes and is our Spring 2018 Resident Artist; adults and teens are invited to participate in the free workshop)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Union: 302 N. Carson St. (4pm-8pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Live Music with Jamie Rollins in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• — Flashback Cinema: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (7pm; $10.25 adults, $7.75 kids)

Every week, I create a list of the fun stuff and events going on around the Carson City area for my Facebook page, I Love Carson City. There is quite a bit to do in our beautiful capital this week, so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great weekend.

My weekly Facebook list includes Friday-Thursday, so please go HERE for events beyond Sunday, or just wait for my daily ‘Things to do’ here on Carson Now. You do NOT need a Facebook account to access the information.

As always, Carson Now welcomes reader contributions to our website. Go HERE to submit an event, photo, or item of interest.