Food for Thought

It can be hard to wait for the weekend, especially when you’ve got the 25th Annual Taste of Downtown to look forward to. The fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence fills the streets with tasty treats from over 40 local restaurants, several bands, and fun for the entire community; it’s the best party of the summer.

It’s going to be a hot one today. With temperatures flirting with three digits, you’ll want to stay hydrated and limit your exertion. Keep the kitchen cool by letting IHOP take care of breakfast; a short stack is only 60 cents today in celebration of their anniversary. Muscle Powered leads a hike this afternoon to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe’s Skunk Harbor. Ladies are invited each week to join the Ash Canyon Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, just make sure you bring your helmet.

TUESDAY, July 17: Things to do in Carson City

Time for a new week, and it is going to be a hot one. Beat the heat by staying indoors and discovering the many art galleries throughout town. Capital City Arts Initiative has just installed a new exhibit in the Community Development downtown featuring work from UNR Students. Kids will enjoy a special craft activity at the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa; bring a picnic lunch, it’s the perfect park for an afternoon meal. Grab your dancing shoes, and leave the stress of the day at home.

Triskaidekaphobia: one of those fun words that I very rarely get the opportunity to use. The fear of the number 13 may be a real thing, but you’ll have no reason to fear boredom on this Friday the 13th. This month’s TRIAD program will explain the various services offered by the Nevada Humane Society, many of them available a low cost. Break a leg to those talented members of our community taking the stage tonight: Senior Follies begins its three-show run this evening.

Summer heat is in full effect and with thunderstorms threatening the Sierra, wildfires are even more likely. Luckily, you’ll find some ways to entertain the kids without having to head outdoors. Head down for family story time at the Carson City Library with the young ones; older kids will want to check out the weekly Lego Club this afternoon. The Rally Route 50 West automotive scavenger hunt and race comes to an end this evening in McFadden Plaza with an announcement of the winners. Summertime Cruise Nights continue with this week’s meet-up at Johnny Rockets.

What a day. The Concert Under the Stars brings Jefferson Starship to the outdoor stage at the Brewery Arts Show. Get there early to peruse the silent auction items and food vendors; the annual fundraising benefit for the Greenhouse Project is always the talk of the town. The Greatest Showman on Earth makes an appearance at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch: it’s Chautauqua night, and Doug Mishler will be portraying “Circus Showman P. T. Barnum.” The Stewart Indian School in east Carson City has history reaching into the early days of our state.

Tuesdays are happening in Carson City. Tonight, the Mile High Jazz Band takes to the stage at Living the Good Life for their monthly performance. Take advantage of the new program at the Nevada State Library and Archives: once a month, you’re welcome to bring a lunch and listen to a presentation. Celebrate the newest exhibit in the OXS Gallery inside the Nevada Arts Council.

Last week was a little nutty with a holiday smack-dab in the middle. Now it’s back to the grind. Get the kids out of the house for some fun at the Carson City Library. Today you’ll find ‘Beat the Heat with Happy Notes’ for the younger ones, but there are activities for every age. Check out the Library’s calendar HERE for upcoming events and registration.

What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced Thursday that five Carson City area programs will receive nearly $442,000 in community development block grants.

Into every life, a little trash must fall. A whole lot of trash, however, might be involved if you’re a beach. Keep Tahoe Blue is hitting the lake shore this morning to help mitigate the aftermath of yesterday’s festivities; lend a hand if you can. If you are looking for something quiet today, check out our local art galleries: they all have revolving exhibits featuring a variety of artists. The True Grit Exhibit at Western Nevada College comes to a close tomorrow, so head up there before it hits the trail.

THURSDAY, July 5: Things to do in Carson City

A very happy Fourth of July to everyone. Listed below is my collection of celebrations in Northern Nevada. You’ll find them listed by their start time, so read through the list for all your options. If there is not a city/town listed after the location, then the event is happening in Carson City. Carson Valley doesn’t have a fireworks celebration, but they get the day off to a great start with a fun run, bbqs, concerts, and more. Be prepared for traffic if you want to watch at the lake, and a designated driver is suggested no matter where you end up. Have a safe holiday and enjoy.

Tomorrow is the big day, but today offers a sneak preview if you’re willing to drive a little. Every year the town of Kings Beach, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, gets a head start on the festivities with a July Third Beach Bash and Fireworks Show. The Dayton Senior Center celebrates the holiday today with a BBQ, Cake Walk, BBQ and activities for all ages. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gets in the patriotic swing during this week’s Storytime Adventure program: the Fourth of July is today’s theme.

TUESDAY, July 3: Things to do in Carson City

Independence Day is just two days away, so you want to start making plans on how you’ll spend the day. For information on the various festivities and firework displays around Northern Nevada, check out my handy guide HERE. The annual RSVP carnival is in full swing at Mills Park.

When people receive food from the Ron Wood Family Resource Center, they expect the traditional nonperishable canned and frozen items, which they do get. But they are often surprised when they see fresh produce, courtesy of the Greenhouse Project.

Let the band play on. Friday night offers some great night-life options for all ages. Fridays at Third continues with an outdoor concert featuring Road Daddy in the McFadden Plaza. Carson Mall plays hosts to their monthly cruise night. come for the cool cars and poker walk but stick around for a performance by Mo’z Motley Blues Band on the patio by Bella Vita Bistro. It’s open mic night at A to Zen; all talents and all ages are invited to show their stuff on the Zen stage.

FRIDAY, June 29: Things to do in Carson City

It won’t be quite as hot today, but it’s definitely summertime. The Library is still a great bet for all ages. Family story time happens every Thursday morning, with Lego Club offered Thursday afternoons. Shine up the chrome and head to Buffalo Wild Wings for the weekly summer cruise night. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint is a great place for music, food, and friends: they’ll be featuring Little Mazarn on the stage tonight as the Texas group swings through the area on their cross-country tour.

THURSDAY, June 28: Things to do in Carson City

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Break up the work week with some time out with friends. Try DJ Trivia at Bella Fiore; even though it’s a wine shop, the game is open to all-ages. Wine, Beer and Bowl at Carson Lanes is a fun way to break routine. Kids will love the Wildlife Show at the CVIC Hall in Minden; just get there early for a good seat. Take a trip back in time at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. The Young Chautauquans will bring notable Nevadans like Charley Parkhurst and Abe Curry to life.

WEDNESDAY, June 27: Things to do in Carson City

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: Things to do in Carson City

Some days were just made for the beach. But if you can’t make the trip up to Tahoe, you can always beat the heat at Carson Lanes. With one dollar games all day, it’s an inexpensive way to stay cool. Every afternoon this week teens can head down to the Carson City Library for a healthy dose of cinema classics: it’s 80s movie marathon week. Learn what's popping up in your garden at the Shoe Tree Brewery. Experts will be around to help you discern what could cause you trouble during tonight's 'Bring Your Own Noxious Weed' event. All ages karaoke at the Fox Brewpub is a fun way to finish a Monday night.

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

There is quite a bit to look forward to today, not to mention this coming weekend. The Rockabilly Riot roars into town and sets up shop at Mills Park for a whole weekend of vintage rat-rods and rock-n-roll. You’ll find the Extreme Motor Officers Challenge in the park, too, so expect it to be noisy. The Pony Express rides again, as it does every year, and retraces its historic route. Keep an eye out this evening for the rider heading east. Enjoy some blues, funk and rock courtesy of the Mylo McCormick Project at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park as part of their annual summer music series.

First off, I want to send a huge shout-out to the first responders, firefighters, and their support staff. We dove head-first into fire season, and like always, they work tirelessly to keep us safe. Thank you. Parks and Recreation has been leading a series of guided informative hikes along various trails. Today you’ll find a trip to Riverview Park with your four-legged friend in mind: Trails 4 Tails is open to all friendly, leashed dogs who love to sniff new things.

It’s Navy Week in Carson City, and that means you’ll have a handful of opportunities to catch performances by various US Navy bands over the next few days. Enjoy their woodwind quintet this afternoon in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the Nevada State Museum. This evening find the US Navy Brass Band in McFadden Plaza performing alongside the talented kids who participated in the Mile High Jazz Camp.

As quickly as it appeared, the circus will be leaving after tonight’s performance. If you haven’t yet seen the acrobatic feats and playful antics of the Ramos Bros. Circus, you’re running out of options. Monday also brings a fun activity to the grounds of the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. Kids will learn something new, make something, and spend some time outdoors. Now that summer has arrived, Food for Thought begins its summer program for kids in the Carson City area.

Carson City again welcomes the Fathers’ Day PowWow to the Stewart Indian School Campus for a weekend of dancing, vendors and crafts, and community. Now, when I say bicycle invasion, I’m not exaggerating. The Carson City Off-Road hosted by Epic Rides brings mountain bike enthusiasts from all over to compete in our hills. You’ll find downtown road-closures to make way for the race routes, a bike expo, beer garden, and a music festival on Saturday. Head up to Western Nevada College to welcome the Journey of Hope Bike Tour.

All children ages 2-18 are welcome to enjoy a free and nutritious lunch served daily Monday through Friday throughout the summer in Carson City.

About a decade ago, a group of community members organized a sustainable horticulture program targeting food insecurity in Carson City. They called it the Greenhouse Project, a not-for-profit effort to improve the quality of food available to the area’s most hungry.

Ron Swirczek, District 1, has been named the newest president of the Carson City School District Board of Trustees. Swirczek replaces former President Laurel Crossman, District 2, as the school board’s leader.

Today is traditionally a day to celebrate sweethearts, but there are those who eschew the trappings of what they consider a ‘Hallmark holiday.’ However you choose to spend the day, you’ll find some options here. Show some love to local non-profit ‘Food for Thought’ by grabbing a yummy beverage at Dutch Brothers coffee today. Battle Born Social is hosting a Un-Valentine's Roaring 20s Party and hoping to see some zoot suits and flapper dresses while they serve era-inspired cocktails and appetizers.