The annual Silver and Snowflake tree lighting ceremony Friday at the state capitol is one of Carson City’s favorite holiday traditions. This year marks the first year the event will be placed in the hands of the Brewery Arts Center which takes place this Friday.
This year, the event will be keeping with traditions, but the new team have ideas to expand the event for the future.
BAC Deputy Director Valerie Moore said their organization was asked to take over the tree lighting by the Chamber of Commerce, which previously ran the popular downtown event.
This year, Moore said, is all about learning the ropes.
“We have kept the event the same as previous years in an effort to learn more about the planning of the event,” Moore said. “We are very excited to be involved with this Carson City tradition and we hope to make it bigger and better in the years to come.”
The team has already been brainstorming ways to expand the event in the future. These include adding a vendor and art market, and adding more live performances along the downtown corridor.
The main event Friday, of course, will not be changing: the 5th grade holiday concert and tree lighting are the highlight of the holiday season, who are joined each year by Santa and the Grinch, all of which is here to stay.
In addition to the concert and tree lighting, people can expect all the beauty of the lights along with a poem by Mayor Lori Bagwell, electric sleigh rides down Carson Street, hot chocolate and cookies, and more!
Moore said this is just the beginning for the BAC’s expansion into more community events.
“We are really excited to take over the event and are looking forward to being involved in more citywide events,” she said.
The festival kicks off Friday at the Nevada State Capitol Building on Carson Street at 4:30 p.m. with sleigh rides, hot cocoa and cider. Carson Street will be closed from 4 p.m. to around 8 p.m.
Sierra Lutheran High School Choir will be performing carols throughout downtown.
The lighting will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the 5th grade concert.
The Sierra Alphorn Players will also be performing in McFadden Plaza on the stage from 6 to 7 p.m.
Make sure to stop by the Hot Cocoa with a Hero booth which is serving up both hot cocoa and adult beverages as a part of Holiday with a Hero fundraising.
