Festival of Lights celebration is Carson City's Christmas Card to the World
Celebrating 25 years, the Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights held at the steps of the Nevada State Capitol Building has become a Carson City Christmas card to the world.
Thousands gathered at the state grounds early Friday evening for the annual event, officially ringing in the holiday season in the capital city. Mayor Robert Crowell served as Master of Ceremonies while Nevada's 33rd Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki did the honor, his final one, officially lighting the state Christmas tree and flipping the switch to transform Downtown Carson City into a spectacular winter wonderland of holiday lights.
In true Nevada spirit, the Carson City fifth grade chorus, who for the past 25 years have sang Christmas carols, broke out with the "Happy Birthday Song" for the Lieutenant Governor's wife, Kelly Krolicki, who celebrated her birthday Friday.
Krolicki fondly recalled that this was his 24th year attending the Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights, noting that he first watched the festivities from his window when he worked in the state treasurer's office. Because of term limits, Krolicki served two terms as Nevada's Lieutenant Governor. He will be succeeded in 2015 by Mark Hutchison.
Also noteworthy, the Carson City Chamber of Commerce coordinated Friday's event, which had been led for years by Fred and Maxine Nietz, who have now retired.
Friday's festivities featured the Carson City Elks Lodge #2177 who provided free hot chocolate, while Santa arrived as he always has in a 1927 Seagrave fire truck courtesy by the Warren Engine Company #1. Many Carson City area shops extended their hours Friday night to coincide with the event, while the Arlington Square Ice Rink offered free skating for children. Both the Elks Lodge and the Downtown Business Association served cookies, coffee and hot chocolate to skaters. The Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers were also to perform at the rink.
The Empty Bowls Project, in its second year, saw hundreds pass through to pick a hand-crafted artisan bowl and eat hot, locally made soups. Go here for the story and photos of the event.
The holiday lights in downtown Carson City will remain on at night through the holiday season into January 2015.
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