Pony Express

Twelve miles south of Fallon, we were nearing the drop off point in Lahontan Valley. Looking out at the flooded playa, it wasn’t looking promising. When we got to Simpson Road, it was pretty much just a cattle guard leading straight down into the water. Luckily, there are multiple routes through ...

May is a month to celebrate historic preservation and archaeology in Nevada.

Nevada agencies and organizations have worked to spread awareness of archaeological and historic preservation efforts throughout the state, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore and learn about Nevada’s significant archaeological and historical treasures.

The following are scheduled events throughout Nevada:

ELKO, Nev. — The Nevada Division of Tourism recognized outstanding members of the state’s rural tourism industry at the VolunTourism Awards Dinner April 27 in Elko. The awards ceremony was a highlight of the state’s annual Rural Roundup conference.

Many beautiful sunny days are ahead of us. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of the rain and snow, but as the days get longer, it’s easier to be optimistic that spring is on its way. Take advantage of the weather with today’s Muscle Powered Easy Hike. Meet photographer Abe Blair at the Nevada State Museum tonight. Admission is free for the celebration of his exhibit, Beyond Nature’s Light. Head to Carson Cigar Company for a Sake Party with premium sake, raffle prizes, and something delicious to snack on.

THURSDAY:

I just keep telling myself that the spring flowers will be amazing this year, but honestly, I’m growing weary of all this rain. Several of our hiking and bike trails have been affected, the sports fields are a muddy mess, and we are still in danger of more flooding.

The Leisure Hour Club announces that due to extenuating circumstances, John and Ben Rupert, the Club's scheduled speakers for their Wednesday, January 18th meeting will NOT be available.

Replacing these speakers is Kim Copel Harris, who will speak on The History of Pony Express. Ms. Harris is a member of the Leisure Hour Club and currently serves as secretary of the National Pony Express Association, Nevada Division.

I hope everyone enjoyed the few hours of sunshine Wednesday, because we’re in for it now. Hopefully, the snow won’t cause as much flooding. I feel compelled to include the disclaimer that all of the following events are subject to change: this storm has the potential to wreak some havoc, so stay safe out there. Kids with cabin fever will enjoy story time at the Carson Library. Adults, get out of the house and enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Sassafras. Local McDonald’s restaurants hope to see you this evening: a fundraiser for the family of Ashley Bursey runs from 4 p.m.

With limited daylight and freezing temperatures, winter can be a challenging time to plan a bike ride. Not only that, the usual trails can often be icy, snowy, or muddy. These conditions have had me searching for new places to ride. A ride that isn’t too strenuous (

Wondering what to do with yourself? Take advantage of the mild weather with Muscle Powered’s easy hike along Sedge Road on the east end of town. The Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be hitting the streets soon; head over to their job fair today if you’d like to be one of them. Karaoke makes an appearance at Living the Good Life and at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar for those who need to sing. The Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment 630 is celebrating 241 years of the United States Marine Corp with a party at Westside Pour House. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

Sunday October 16th there will be a FREE Inline Hockey Clinic from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Marv Teixeira Pavilion at Mill's Park. This is a great opportunity for beginner skaters to give inline hockey a try. All ages welcome! Bring whatever equipment you have, there will be some equipment available for use during the clinic.

Something wicked this way comes. Enjoy Thursday’s balmy afternoon because the wind is blowing and bringing some cold, wet weather with it. Get a jump on your holiday gift list, the Touch of Class Craft Show begins at the Carson Valley Inn and runs through Saturday. The National Alliance on Mental Illness holds its Annual Gala at the Governor’s Mansion and features country singer, Jason DeShaw. Learn about some haunted history when several locals share their stories at the Carson Valley Cultural Center.

There are multiple ways to say farewell to summer this weekend. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off is a local favorite, as is the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival. It has finally cooled down a little, so the Downtown Carson Wine Walk is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Keep reading and have a great time.

SATURDAY:

DAYTON, Nev. – Explore the history of the Pony Express and how it was significant in helping to save the Union. Chautauqua Kim Harris will deliver a 45 minute performance, followed by Q&A on the history of the Pony Express and its most famous riders, such as Pony Bob Haslam and Bronco Charlie Miller, who lived here in Northern Nevada.

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Exhibition comes to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, August 27, beginning at 11:00 am.

Rex Allen Jr. carries on the cowboy tradition this weekend in Minden, Nev. Fans have a rare opportunity to join the legend horseback on the trails his father, Rex Allen, made famous on the big screen. The concerts are also “bucket list” shows, since Rex Allen Jr. is on his farewell Sunrise to Sunset Tour.

Holy busy day, Batman! Carson City is abuzz with options. Art lovers won’t want to miss out on the Diversity Invitational Photography Show opening tonight at Mystique downtown. Learn about the history of Jazz with a free presentation by John Shipley in the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall. Take the kids to the Carson Library for movie night: The Sandlot is fun for all. Sierra Surgery welcomes you to the grand opening of the new Carson Tahoe Breast Center. And the list goes on: keep reading for all of Thursday’s things to do.

THURSDAY:

If you hear some great music downtown, then you’re probably near Café at Adele’s. Tower of Power hits the stage for the annual Concert Under the Stars to benefit the Greenhouse Project. Grab some grub for a good cause at Buffalo Wild Wings: LBL Equine Rescue is holding a fundraiser. Take an easy ride with Muscle Powered; tonight’s ride is perfect for beginners. If you’ve got kids, Frozen is tonight’s choice for the Carson Library movie night. Classic car aficionados should head to Bully’s if they want to join in this week’s Silver Dollar Cruise Night.

THURSDAY:

Like the building she and her husband own together, Robin Shriver's new business at 210 South Carson Street downtown is a collection of diverse tastes.

A lone rider on a stout draft horse trotted down Curry Street to the claps and cheers of a welcoming committee a little after 2:15 Thursday afternoon.

Step into the past today: the Pony Express re-ride is coming through town. It’s anticipated around 2 p.m. and you can follow their path online HERE. World War II buffs are going to love the Wings of Freedom tour at the Minden Airport; you have until Sunday afternoon to see the planes. Head to Telegraph Square downtown for the first Community Art Night sponsored by Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and the Charlie B. Gallery.

Witness living history in motion Thursday afternoon as the Pony Express gallops into the state capital for the commemorative hand-off of the mail-bearing Mochila.

Thursday is something to celebrate. The long-awaited Nevada State Fair kicks off in Mills Park with a ribbon cutting by Governor Sandoval. Grab the kids, your friends, and family and enjoy carnival rides, county exhibits, civil war reenactments and much more. Our neighbors to the south are celebrating, too: the 106th Annual Carson Valley Days is this weekend. If you’re looking for something quieter, the lecture on the Civil War at the Gold Hill Hotel or an author’s talk on the Ghost Railroads of Central Nevada at the Nevada State Railroad Museum might be a better bet.

The National Pony Express Association will be conducting its Annual Re-Ride of the Pony Express Trail from Sacramento, California, to St. Joseph, Missouri, June 15 - 25, 2016. It is expected to pass through Carson City at approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16.

This Re-Ride is a 10-day, 24-hour a day, non-stop event by over 600 riders and horses over the 1,966 mile route of the Pony Express National Historic Trail from California through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas to Missouri. It is the longest event held annually on a historical trail in the nation.

Want to learn something new? The Gold Hill Hotel, the Dayton Historical Society, and the Douglas County Historical Society are all offering a glimpse into the past. The American Sign Language Club at Western Nevada College invites you to an evening of storytelling, poetry, music, and fun at their ‘Open Hands Night.’ Empire Ranch is starting up its 9 and Dine events tomorrow, the only catch is that you’ve got to register by noon today. You’ll find dinner music at Glen Eagles, Sassafras, and Living the Good Life.

Looking for a change of pace? Join Muscle Powered as they take a hike up Deadman’s Creek in Washoe Valley. Feeling spicy? The weekend is almost here, so step out of your normal routine and try salsa lessons at El Charro Avita. Red’s Old 395 has an incredible happy hour with half off draft beers today and a yummy menu. Rack ‘em up at Remedy’s free pool night. Limited Time Only plays tonight at Living the Good Life, but one look at the band and you’ll recognize most the guys from Notch 8.

THURSDAY:

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of April to highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

Built in 1861 to provide protection for early settlers, Fort Churchill was once an active U.S. Army fort. it was abandoned nine years later. Today the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay. A visitor center displays information and artifacts of the fort’s history.

Ready to ‘Give where you live’? Nevada’s Big Give online fundraising drive is today, so pick your favorite local non-profit and pledge $10 or more dollars to get them on their way. The WNC Foundation will be throwing a party at Alatte inside the Carson Nugget with drink specials and more if they’re the one you choose. Learn a little about our majestic mountain views at the Douglas County Historical Society’s Second Thursday lecture. Spice up your life with Bachata lessons at El Charro Avita, and dance the night away. Take a gander at the list for all of today’s options.
THURSDAY:

We’ve all felt the occasional urge to ride off into the sunset, but it was those Pony Express boys that actually did it. Learn about their history from the Pony Express Association at Red’s Old 395. An informative talk at the Carson City Library sheds some light on why life is so crazy. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play with fire, then check out Controlled Burn. This regional fire spinning group will show you the ropes at A to Zen.

TUESDAY:

State parks has a couple of nearby events coming up next week. Washoe Lake State Park will offer up a full moon hike along the Deadman’s Creek Trail. Walkers and hikers will explore the park by the light of the full moon on this moderate, one mile, round-trip hike to the gazebo overlooking Washoe Lake.

It’s a living history kind of day with presentations all around. Head up to the Gold Hill Hotel for their weekly lecture series, but don’t forget to make a reservation. The Historical Society of Douglas County discusses the facts and fiction behind Lucky Bill at the Cultural Center and Museum in Gardnerville. The Nevada Division of the Pony Express Association keeps history alive and you are welcome to attend their monthly meeting at Grandma Hattie’s tonight. Pay homage to your favorite singers of yesteryear with karaoke at Living the Good Life or Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

THURSDAY:

• Last Day to RSVP for the Jan. 20 Leisure Hour Club Dinner Meeting with speaker Rick Gunn (If you would like to attend this event, please call Dorothy Link at 775-885-2542)