Max Casino

The Salvation Army serving Carson City and Douglas County is in need of turkeys for needy families in the area this holiday season and will host its annual turkey drop this Friday at Max Casino.

Friends in Service Helping and the Carson Nugget in Carson City will team up Thursday for the annual High Five Turkey Drive from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Perennial champion Tom Donovan of Reno claimed his second consecutive title Saturday at the single-jack rock drilling world championship held at the Max Casino parking lot during the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City.

It's parade day in Carson City, which means a host of Nevada Day activities throughout the state capital all day long.

Of course, the 80th annual Nevada Day Parade is the centerpiece of the Silver State's 154th birthday celebration.

Eight days before the presidential election of 1864, Nevada became the 36th state in the union. Hello Carson City and welcome to Friday, Nevada Day, Oct. 26, 2018. Today is the observed state holiday, where businesses are open but state and local government offices and schools are closed. Meanwhile, the capital city itself is getting warmed up for a three-day weekend and famed parade that celebrates statehood.

Nevada's celebration of statehood provides for a bevy of activities that showcase the Silver State's best. From contests to exhibits, food and beverages of all kinds, Native dancing, hot air balloons, concerts, a carnival celebration at Mills Park and the famed Nevada Day parade, there is something for everyone throughout the long weekend.

The Foundation Forward organization that brought our nations Charters of Freedom (Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights) to Carson City will once again be selling engraved pavers during Nevada Day. The new pavers have slightly larger font, are darker and easier to read.

Cars and burgers were the draw Saturday at the Max Casino parking lot in Carson City, where law enforcement officers with the Nevada Department of Corrections fed hungry car enthusiasts at the second annual Cops and Burgers fundraiser for Special Olympics Nevada.

Today's column features good news and bad news. The bad news is Labor Day is now behind us and we must re-adjust to a regular two-day weekend again. But therein lies the good news. Another weekend has arrived, and you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy your time off.

The second annual Carson City Cops and Burgers community event will take place this Saturday, Sept. 8, featuring a classic car show, a blood drive and police exhibits along with grilled favorites served by members of the Nevada Department of Corrections.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

It’s still Welcome Back Week at Western Nevada College; a free BBQ, games, activities, and meet and greet with the new college President will be in Rotary Square at lunchtime. Muscle Powered starts the day with a hike up Kings Canyon Road. In addition to sturdy shoes and water, you’ll want to bring a camera – the views of Eagle Valley are impressive. Start the weekend early with some live music for a good cause. Enjoy Greg Austin on the stage at Living the Good Life: there’s no cover, but a portion of tonight’s food and beverage sales will benefit the Swithwick/Francone family.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don’t worry, you’ve still got four months for your holiday shopping, but Santa needs to hire a few helpers. The annual Polar Express on the V & T is getting ready to steam up and they are auditioning for elves etc. to lend a hand. The Nevada Arts Council has a new exhibit featuring Basque artwork; attend this evening’s artist reception to learn more about these unusual carvings. The ESL at Home program works quietly behind the scenes to bring better English language skills to non-native speakers.

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

Lights, camera, action! The Second annual Jukebox Film Festival begins today at the Carson City Community Center. Two full days of features, documentaries, and short films with music as the uniting theme will be shown at the Carson City Community Center: 30 unique titles representing 29 different filmmakers from countries around the world. Blood Drum Spirit, a jazz band with an African influence, is the focus of one of those films and will be performing for free at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint this evening.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

Thank goodness for Thursday. The weekend is just hours away, but there is no reason to wait for the fun to start. Take a stroll with Muscle Powered: today’s hike will wind through the far east side of Carson, from Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam. Artsy Fartsy Art Galley hosts an artist meet and greet for Catherine King; enjoy a glass of wine while discovering her newest work. Head down the rabbit hole, and you may wind up on McFadden Plaza. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club brings the recent live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the big screen on the downtown stage.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

Join law enforcement around the capital city area for the Carson City Cops and Burgers Show-n-Shine on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Max Casino to benefit Special Olympics of Nevada.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Looks like another great day to stay indoors. The Carson City Library has several activities planned today, and one of them might be what you’re looking for. Story time this morning is for the little ones. Just about everyone is welcome to participate in their weekly Lego Club build. Families will enjoy movie night; just make sure to register online if you’re planning on seeing Peter Rabbit with them this evening. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival is in full swing, so you’ll find plenty of music around.

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

The Washoe Zephyr is a double-sided coin. The breeze is a welcome reprieve from hot summer afternoons and can do wonders clearing the smoke from the valley. On the other hand, that wind does local firefighters no favors if it just helps push the fire line faster. There may be some relief from the bad air today, but you’ll still want to take it easy.