Downtown Carson City celebrated the start of the holiday season with the annual Silver and Snow flakes Festival of Lights.
Streets were closed off as throngs of people gathered in front of the state capitol to watch as the lights for the two giant Christmas trees were turned on.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on the back of an antique fire truck, with Mayor Bob Crowell riding shotgun. After the state’s trees were turned on, the crowd headed over to the First Presbyterian Church where the city’s Christmas tree was turned on.
The party continued as people flocked to the downtown shops and restaurants. The night was also the official grand opening of the Arlington Square skating rink, as young and old took to the ice for some chilly fun.
The Carson City Chamber of Commerce staged an event on the heated back deck of the High Sierra Brewery, collecting donations for Friends In Service Helping (F.I.S.H.) and Advocates to End Domestic Violence.
The festival continues today at 11:30 a.m. with the Santa Parade along Carson Street from Musser Street into Telegraph Square.
Activities there include: Santa, face painting, clown, bounce house manned by the US Navy, Cactus Jack’s HOWDY, live music by The Tributes, and life-sized willow reindeer.
Kids can draw and create a decoration, ornament or holiday card at the Craft Table staffed by Kidding Around Preschool.
Winners of the annual Kit Carson Trail Art Contest will be announced at 2 p.m. at Telegraph Square. This year’s theme was “An Abundance of Snow People”. You can view all the entries at the Carson City Library through the month of December.
For those in need this holiday season, there are donation opportunities: the first 100 people bringing a warm winter coat will receive a Rose Bud, compliments of Sierra Rose Floral & Gifts and Floral Creations. Bring a can of food for the FISH food barrels.
And, the Arlington Square ice skating rink will again be open for holiday skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take a whirl on the ice for a special price (only $4 for skate rental and skate pass).
The monthly Downtown Wine Walk will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
