Polar Express

Good morning Carson City and happy Saturday! Today we’ll see a high in the mid 80s and a low in the mid to low 40s, which to me sounds like Fall is right around the corner!

We’ve got a ton of great events today and tomorrow, so check them out below:

Heading into the weekend, there’s plenty of activities around the Carson City region to help the next three days breeze by. Events include an artists fair at Carson Mall, the 60th annual camel and ostrich races in Virginia City, a memorial run in Carson City, the 28th annual Oktoberfest in Gardnerville, a Veterans Resource Fair at Carson Nugget, history walks at Mormon Station Park, live comedy and more.

Moving into Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, there's another chance for thunderstorms headed our way and then a bit of a cool down going into the weekend. Looking around the capital city Thursday there's a meeting of the Carson City Board of Supervisors, auditions for V&T Railway's Polar Express, art showings, a host of activities at the Carson City Library, a Muscle Powered morning hike and more.

CARSON CITY — V&T Railway will hold auditions for the 2019 Polar Express season on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Friday, Sept. 6 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 7 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Eastgate Depot in Carson City. The railway is looking for actors, actresses and singers, age 13 and up to play roles from the popular movie including stewards and conductors, elves and Santa Claus.

With some help from the Ghost of Mark Twain, Carson City Chamber of Commerce celebrated its accomplishments for the year at their annual meeting Thursday evening at The Martin Hotel Restaurant.

Each June, the Carson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recognizes quality of life, community and economic growth achievements.

At the Chamber annual meeting on June 13, Chamber Chairman of the Board Robert Fredlund will honor seven individuals or businesses that personify what Mayor Robert Crowell is so often proud to state, “Carson City is a great place to live, work, and play.”

CARSON CITY — Returning for the 2019 season, the V&T Railway’s popular Toast of the Canyon train rides kicks off on Saturday, June 15 and will feature area wineries, distilleries and breweries. The event, which runs every other Saturday through October, takes passengers into the Carson River Canyon to enjoy libations and appetizers.

Kicking off its 2019 season, V&T Railway will hold a special Mother’s Day train on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Guests will experience a 24-mile round-trip ride through the historic Comstock, departing Carson City (Eastgate Depot) at 10 a.m. and will arrive in Virginia City at approximately 11:30 a.m., before returning to Carson at 4:15 p.m.

Christmas is getting closer, and in Carson City, that means holiday trains. From the V&T Railway's Polar Express to the Nevada State Railroad Museum's Santa Train, rails around the state capital are busy delivering Saint Nicholas to children and spreading Christmas cheer.

Following are all of the entries for the 2018 Nevada Day Parade, to take place on Saturday, Oct. 27 starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at North Carson and William streets, and ends at South Carson and Stewart streets. There are 215 entries in this year's parade.

Entries line up on the following streets by division before the start of the parade:

Division 1 - Bath St

Division 2 - Adaline St

Division 3 - E Long St

Division 4 - W Long St

Division 5 - E Adams St

Division 7 - E Park St

Division 9 - Fleischmann way

Division 10 - E John St

The last big weekend of the summer is on its way, but if you’ve got a hankering for ribs, you can get them now. The annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks kicks off five days of barbeque heaven today – keep an eye open for our local champion, Carson City BBQ. Carson City BMX celebrates the end of the summer with a party at this evening’s practice. Songstress, Latisha Lewis, leads the band during tonight’s Jazz Night at Living the Good Life; if you’ve got some chops, bring an instrument and join the jam.

WEDNESDAY, August 29: Things to do in Carson City

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.

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

SATURDAY:

One thing was evident as the special Polar Express Train departed the depot east of Carson City: You don't have to have kids with you to enjoy the annual holiday favorite on the historic V&T Railroad.

Welcome to Wednesday. If you haven’t had a chance to tell Ole’ Nick what you’d like to see under the tree, then wander over to Red’s Old 395 for a complementary picture and a moment on his lap. See what our local crafters and artisans have to offer at the Christmas Craft Show inside Carson Mall. It’s karaoke night at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge for those over 18. Families with younger ones will be interested in the Polar Express playing on the big screen at the Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY:

You are in for a Holiday Treat today; the annual Carson City Symphony Winter Concert with Victorian Dancers in beautiful costumes takes to the stage. Take in a play at the Brewery Arts Center or play BINGO at the Senior Center. The Santa Train, the Living Nativity at the Methodist Church, and a remembrance ceremony at Walton’s Chapel are on the list, too. Sunday’s aren’t sleepy this time of year, so read on and take a look at your options.

The Carson City area is awash in entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly options this weekend. Santa Claus is popping up all over, including at Benson Feed for the annual CASI Pet Photos with St. Nick and aboard the train at our Railroad Museum’s Santa Train. The musical ‘Honk, Jr’ for the young ones and Love/Sick for the older crowd are on the stage at the Brewery Arts Center. Spend the day at the Silver Saddle Ranch: their annual Holiday Open House is the perfect time to explore their trails and learn more about the working ranch’s preservation.

With December arriving we are counting the days until Christmas. So deck the halls, get some jingle bells and wassail away this holiday season. Here's what's happening now through Christmas around Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Tis the season for visits with Santa, holiday twinkle lights, and craft fairs and festivals. In order to make your December planning a little easier, take a look at what is coming up in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and Virginia City area. Go deck the halls, get some jingle bells, and wassail away.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you’ll see twinkling lights appearing everywhere. Carson City doesn’t light up our downtown until next Friday, but if you need an immediate fix of holiday decorations, Minden has got you covered. Candy Cane Lane at the Carson Valley Inn is a custom outdoor drive-thru Christmas light display. ‘Nevada Christmas’ is a private home on Chaparral Court, just off Stephanie Way, and puts the holly jollies into the holiday.

SUNDAY:      

Once the turkey has been devoured, all thoughts turn toward shopping. Shop Small Saturday helps to throw a spotlight on our local gems, and the great gifts you’ll find. New this year is Museum Store Sunday with both the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum participating. Make time for family and friends at the annual Nutcracker Ballet performed by Pinkerton Ballet at the Carson City Community Center. Keep reading and have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

FRIDAY:

With Thanksgiving just days away, the holiday season is just around the corner. The annual Holiday Craft Fair at Carson High features a plethora of handmade and locally crafted gifts for the loved ones on your shopping list. Take the plunge at the Carson Aquatic Center if you want to get a picture with Scuba Santa. Grab a coat, some friends, and your ID and head downtown for this month’s beer crawl. $15 gets you a glass and your first beer, from there you’ll pay only $1 for refills at several watering holes. There’s even more to enjoy this weekend, so keep reading for your options.

Just one week to go until Thanksgiving. You’ll have from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. to drop off your donation to the Holiday for the Hungry Frozen Turkey Drop at the Carson Nugget; you’ll see the FISH truck on Carson Street and can drop it off without leaving your car. Sherry Rupert, Executive Director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission, is tonight’s speaker at the Nevada State Museum. Learn about the future of the Stewart Indian School, and probably some interesting things about its history. The Polar Express begins its seasonal run this weekend.

CARSON CITY — Less than a month from opening night, The Polar Express Train Ride is on its way to another sold out season. Even with additional dates this year, tickets to the popular holiday train are more than 70 percent purchased. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets now for a magical trip running from Nov. 18 through Dec. 30.

The historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Railway Commission in partnership with Rail Events, Inc. through Warner Brothers Consumer Products, Inc. is looking to cast additional actors and actresses for their annual production of “The Polar Express” train ride for the 2017 season.

Labor Day commemorates the men and women whose sweat made this such a great country and has been a national holiday since 1894. Celebrate this unofficial end-of-summer with a trip to the lake, a backyard bar-be-que, the parade in Virginia City, or one of the many fun events going on around town. Head over to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for their annual Inter-faith Potluck Picnic and don’t forget to bring some silverware and something yummy to share.

MONDAY: Labor Day

The great thing about Labor Day weekend is that it just keeps going. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off offers up family fun, live music, and plenty of bar-be-qued delights all the way through Monday. For those with younger kids, consider a day at Mills Park. This is the last weekend for summertime train rides through the cottonwoods. Join Muscle Powered at Silver Saddle Ranch by the Carson River for a bike or hike this morning. Bring water and a camera, you never know what wildlife will make an appearance.

SUNDAY:

Summer is holding on for dear life, and sending a miniature heat wave our way for this long weekend. For those of you not in Black Rock City, the Carson City region offers plenty of recreation and entertainment. Downtown will be hopping with the Farmers Market, monthly Wine Walk, and this season’s last outdoor concert at the Brewery Arts Center – and that’s just Saturday! Keep reading for three days of good times.

SATURDAY:

The historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Railway Commission in partnership with Rail Events, Inc. will hold auditions for their annual production of “The Polar Express” train ride for the 2017 season.