I Love Carson City's Weekend Event Summary: June 11-12

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:

• Discover Nevada State Parks Day: Free admission and no fishing license required at all 23 State Parks
• Annual Pancake Breakfast with the Gardnerville Volunteer Fire Department at 1255 Douglas, at the corner of HWY 395, Gardnerville (6pm-11am; $6, kids 12 and younger $4; bloody mary or mimosa $4)
• Thunderbird Paddle 4 or 8 Miler and Big Blue Waterman Challenge Race at Sand Harbor Beach (check in 6:30am-9:15am. 9:30am start; $41-$84, kids race ages 5-12 $15; free park entry today)
• Seniors Swim Free at Paradise Salon and Spa: Executive Pointe off College Pkwy (7am-5pm, except during Zumba class 9am-10am; 55 and older; indoor adult warm saltwater pools)
• "Always Lost: A Meditation on War” in the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building (7am-8pm)
• 106th Annual Carson Valley Days: Ninth Annual Walk/Jog/Run- meet in the Walgreens parking lot at the corner of Waterloo Lane and HWY 395 (Registration 7am; Race Start: 8:15am; Awards Begin: 9:30am; $40, under 18 years $15); Parade - Downtown Minden to Gardnerville (Registration 7am, parade 9am; Parade Theme 'A Pirate's Life')

Happy birthday, Artsy Fartsy! Join them in their 5th Anniversary Celebration this afternoon. For those who want a preview of the Tattoo Show coinciding with the Rockabilly Riot Car Show in two weeks, head to Ruby Lantern Tattoo for raffles, live music, an art show and more.

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Young Eagle Flights (Weather Permitting; open to ages 8-17; registration 8am at the Airport Terminal Building, orientation 8:30am; free, Registration Forms are available at the event) Coffee and Donuts (8am-12pm, all welcome) at 2500 E. College Pkwy
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Pam Brekas and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Party at the Pavilion Car Show with the Freaks of Nature at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park (registration 8am-11am; $60 to enter; car show 8am-6pm)
• Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am to 1pm; fruits, vegetables, flowers, live music, local vendors, bowl painting with Empty Bowls, and more)
• Empty Bowls Bowl Decorating at the Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am until supplies run out or 1pm)
• Local Arts and Crafts Fair at the Eagle Valley Trading Post: corner Curry/Fourth St. (9am-12pm)
• BLM Saddle-Trained Horse Adoptions at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center Stewart Conservation Camp: 1721 Snyder Ave. (Viewing 9am-10am; Competitive-bid Auction of 20 horses and 1 burro begins at 10am; NO BLUE CLOTHING ALLOWED, No cell phones, tobacco, or photography permitted; bidding starts at $150, Adopters must meet qualifications to bid)
• Nevada State Fair at Mills Park (free event; Fair 10am-10pm; Car Show at the Pavilion 8am-6pm; Carnival 10am-10pm; Rendezvous performances 10:30-6pm; Live Music on the main stage 12pm-10pm; free parking at Carson High School)

Help the Library kick-off a summer full of learning and fun today. A BBQ, the Lego Club, and a Mine(Craft) exhibition are just the tip of the iceberg. Those theatrically inclined should head to the Community Center for Youth Theater Carson City auditions: Legally Blonde, Jr is casting.

• Auditions for Youth Theater Carson City’s Production of ‘Legally Blond, Jr’ in the Carson City Community Center Gym (10am; open to all kids ages 5-18; Auditioners should prepare a one-minute song and be ready to learn a dance)
• Summer Reading Program Kick Off and Summer Learning Challenge barbecue at the Carson City Library (learning challenge sign-ups 10am-5pm, all ages welcome; Habits of Mind(Craft) Showcase 10:30am-12pm; BBQ 12pm-1:30pm- while supplies last; BBQ free to SLC participants, $5 for all others)
• Lego Club at the Carson City Library (10am-12pm; sign up at Youth Desk, limited space; children under 9 must be accompanied by someone 13 or older)
• Guided Wildflower Hike at Spooner Lake State Park (10am-11am; Event is free and entry fees waived today; Group size is limited to 12 participants, sign up by calling the park at 775-749-5980 or by email: spooner.ranger@gmail.com )
• McKeen Motor Car Rides at the Nevada State Train Museum (10am-4pm, trains depart every half hour; $8, $4 kids 11 and under)
• Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Train Rides -leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East at 10am- Depart Virginia City Depot 3pm (tickets limited, $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32)

Have a green thumb or wish you did? Greenhouse Garden Center is hosting a ‘meet the vendor’ event and will send you on your way with knowledge and a free lunch. Head to Fuji Park for a Home and Garden Show.

• "Imagination" and Members Regular Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• Meet Your Vendors - Customer Appreciation Day at the Greenhouse Garden Center: S. Curry (10am-3pm; over 40 vendors, free food, live music with Randy Ides, and prize giveaways)
• Home and Garden Show at Fuji Park (10am-5pm; free admission)
• Monthly meeting of F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) in the back room at Comma Coffee (10:30am)
• Taste of the Comstock in Virginia City (11am-4pm; $25 restaurant tasting, $25 VIP whiskey and cigar tasting)

Douglas County is in party mode. The 106th Annual Carson Valley Days is in full swing. The Parade from Minden to Gardnerville has a Pirate theme this year, so watch for eye patches and peg legs. Live music, a carnival and much more can be found at Lampe Park.

• 106th Annual Carson Valley Days: Carnival, Crafts Fair, Games, Vendors, Awards (11am-11pm); Live Music with The Nighthawks (1pm-4pm) Tony Vee Band (5pm-7pm) and Blu the Band (8pm-10pm) at Lampe Park
• Swim Class for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Carson City Aquatic Facility (11am; $4)
• Dog Town Rescue Adoption Event at PetSmart (11am-3pm; all dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped)
• WARF Cat and Kitten Adoption Event at Petco on Topsy Lane (11am-4pm; all cats are fixed, vaccinated and micro-chipped)
• Fifth Anniversary Party: Art, artist, music, food, sangria, and community at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery: 220 W. Telegraph (12pm-3pm)
• Yard Sale in the Carson Nugget Banquet Rooms (12pm-8pm)

In need of beach therapy? Free admission at all state parks today is a great way to explore which view of Tahoe is your favorite. Learn about Dutch Oven Cooking at the Dayton State Park or contemplate the universe through a telescope at Washoe Lake State Park.

• Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstrations in the Group Use Area of Dayton State Park: 825 Hwy 50, Dayton (1pm-2pm, Please arrive at least 10 minutes early; entry fees waived today)
• Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (1pm-4pm; $40; includes free Cocktail/Beer/Wine/Soft Drink with each signup)
• Art show/ Pre-Party for Rockabilly Riot 2016 and Carson City's First Ever Tattoo Convention at Ruby Lantern Tattoo: 4750 Hwy 50 E (1pm-6pm Tattoo Specials, raffles and more; 8pm Live Music and Art Show)
• Summer Saturday Family Movies series: “Brave” in the Minden Library meeting room: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2pm; free; Rated PG)
• Suds for Seniors Fundraiser at the Firkin and Fox OR the Feisty Goat Pub: 1881 E. Long St. (4pm-10am; $15 to sample five beers; benefits the Meals on Wheels program; Tickets also available at the Carson Visitor Center and are good through June 30)

So much history is lurking on the historic west side of town. Take a guided Ghost Tour and see which of our city’s former residents are still hanging around.

• Negroni Week at the Firkin and Fox, Blue Bull, Westside Pour House, Café at Adele’s, The Tap Shack, and Red’s Old 395 (Fundraiser for Carson/ Tahoe Cancer Foundation - $1 of every participating cocktail donated)
• Live Music with the Dale Poune at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Blue: The Biggest Little Ukulele Ensemble In Nevada at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (6pm-8pm)
• Live Music with Athena McIntyre at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: 1500 Old Hot Springs Rd. (6pm)
• Live Music at Bella Fiore Wine (6pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Brian Lester at J’s Old Town Bistro, Dayton (6pm; Reservations recommended 775-246-4400)

Did you bike to work last week or wish you had? Join Muscle Powered for a Bicycle Week Party at the Brewery Arts Center. Enjoy food trucks, a raffle, games, and crafts for the kids. You’ll want to stick around: Incendio hits the stage at 7 p.m. as part of the free summer concert series sponsored by Levitt Amps.

• Bike to Work Week Party at the Brewery Arts Center (6pm; winners of the Corporate Challenge will be announced, fabulous prizes including a cruiser bike will be raffled, tricycle races, helmet decorating and more)
• Ghost Walking Tour led by Madame Curry – Meet at Third and Curry St., behind Firkin and Fox (6:30pm-8pm; $20 day of tour; please arrive 15 minutes early)
• Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (6:30pm-9:30pm; $40; includes free Cocktail/Beer/Wine/Soft Drink with each signup)
• Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• Free Concert: Incendio – part of the Levitt AMP Music Series at the Minnesota Street Stage at the Brewery Arts Center (7pm; Free)
• Lecture: “The Manned Spacecraft” by Mike Thomas and Star Party at the Western Nevada College Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave (7pm-10:30pm, lecture begins 7:30pm; free)
• Live Music with Hindsight at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• Live Music with Boogie Daddies at the Carson Nugget Sports Bar (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with First Take Rocks! at Max Casino: formerly the Carson Station (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with John Dawson at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)

Live Music with Mo’z Motley Blues at Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
Get your boogie on! DJs will keep you dancing into the night at Living the Good Life and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Sing your heart out with karaoke at the Westside Pour House or Spoke Bar and Grill.

• Rock’n N Bowl’n at Gold Dust West (8pm)
• Karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill (8pm)
• Star Party with telescope viewing hosted by the Astronomical Society of Nevada at Washoe Lake State Park: East Lake Blvd, Washoe Valley – Meet in the overflow parking area near the South boat ramp (Event starts at dusk and lasts until 11 or midnight; free event, park admission waived today; bring bug repellent, flashlight with a red lens-no white light, and a lawn chair)
• Karaoke at Westside Pour House (9pm)
• Dancing with DJ Troy Styes at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (9pm)
• DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am)

The weekend winds down Sunday, but not with a whimper. The Fair has one more day of fun to offer. Take to the track with Carson City BMX at the Livermore Sports Complex. Relax in the shade of the Governor’s Mansion: the Carson City Symphony’s “Pops Party” concert is free to attend and a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Read on for even more happenings.

SUNDAY:

• Party at the Pavilion Car Show with the Freaks of Nature at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park (8am-2pm; awards 12pm)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Pam Brekas and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• CC BMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (signups 9am-10am; $10, must be USABMX member; new rider kits available)
• Breakfast and Bowl at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm; breakfast and unlimited bowling until noon $13, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Nevada State Fair at Mills Park (Fair 10am-10pm; free event; Car Show at the Pavilion 8am-2pm; Carnival 10am-10pm; Rendezvous performances 10:30-5pm; Live Music on the main stage 11:30am-10pm; free parking at Carson High School)
• McKeen Motor Car Rides at the Nevada State Train Museum (10am-4pm, trains depart every half hour; $8, $4 kids 11 and under)
• Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Train Rides -leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East at 10am- Depart Virginia City Depot 3pm (tickets limited, $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32)
• 106th Annual Carson Valley Days: Carnival (11am-5pm); Crafts Fair, Games, Vendors Annual Sunday Raffle (5pm) and more at Lampe Park, Gardnerville
• Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at Carson City Senior Center (doors 11am, 12:30-4pm; $10, must be 21+)
• Family Day at Empire Ranch Golf Course (After 12pm, Kids play free with paid adult green fee)
• Barony of Fal Dare, Amtgard Live Action Role Play Plus Combat Group at Mills Park, at the end of Oxoby Loop (12pm-4pm; Foam sword fighting, crafts, classes; child-friendly, under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parents; newcomers welcome, for info email FalDareMonarchy@gmail.com )

Carson Valley Days is winding down, but not before they get their ducks in a row. The annual Duck Derby raises money for the local Food Closet and the 20-30 Club. Head to Genoa for a picnic in the park and Concert on the Green: Beatles Flashback plays for free starting at 5 p.m.

• Carson Valley Days Duck Derby at Lampe Park (Community Race 1pm, $5 per duck, Business Class Race 2pm, $25 per duck, Service Club/Church/Non-Profit Race 3pm, $25 per duck; All proceeds will benefit the Carson Valley Community Food Closet and The Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club #730)
• Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (1pm-4pm; $35; includes free Cocktail/Beer/Wine/Soft Drink with each signup)
• Painting Class at Van Gogh and Vino (1:30pm-4pm; $30 per painter)
• >"Pops Party" Concert with the Carson City Symphony, Carson City Symphony Chorus, and Jakki Ford, soloist on the back lawn of the Governor’s Mansion (2pm pre-party with Triple Treble Flute Trio; Pops Concert begins 3pm; free attendance)
• Negroni Week at the Firkin and Fox, Blue Bull, Westside Pour House, Café at Adele’s, The Tap Shack, and Red’s Old 395 (Fundraiser for Carson/ Tahoe Cancer Foundation - $1 of every participating cocktail donated)
• Sunday Funday: Free game of pool with drink purchase at Westside Pour House
• Weekly Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• Concerts on the Green: Beatles Flashback at Genoa Park in Genoa (5pm-7pm; free concert; bring picnic and chairs/blanket)
• Live Music with Deep Groove at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (5:30pm-8:30pm)
• Live Music with Patrick Major at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• Nerdvana After Hours at Nerdvana: 3220 Hwy 50, Suite #2 (9pm; must be 18+)

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.