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Thanksgiving and Black Friday may be behind us, but Small Business Saturday is still ahead. Today consider shopping local to support small businesses in Carson City and surrounding communities. Small business Saturday deals can be found inside the Carson Mall, in downtown Carson City and at small businesses throughout the Nevada state capital.

Welcome to your windy Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 the day after Thanksgiving. We hope your Turkey Day was a memorable one with enough leftovers to last through the weekend. If you're looking for holiday bargains today and Saturday, there's plenty of them to go around. Today is known as "Black Friday" the official launch of the holiday shopping season and Small Business Saturday, where independently owned restaurants, shops, art galleries, merchants and speciality stores urge all to shop and buy locally.

Jeffery Pace might be a business owner, but his boss, he says, is the community, and he loves working as its employee.

Carson City’s own Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery is a story of the age old American Dream. Pace built his business from scratch with two passions in mind: art and community.

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.

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.

It’s time for the students of Western Nevada College to head back to school. In order to help the day go smoothly, you’ll find coffee and snacks placed strategically around campus. Make sure to spend a moment checking out the new art installation in the main gallery: ‘The Surrealist Eye’ is on display and will have an artist reception on Thursday evening. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY, August 27: Things to do in Carson City

The book award in Creative Nonfiction for the WILLA Literary Award goes to Mary Lee Fulkerson and her book, Women Artists of the Great Basin. The book is replete with 120 stunning color photographs of the artists and their works by master photographer Susan E. Mantle.

I wish there was something I could do about the smoke in the air; it’s difficult not knowing if the wind is going to help or hurt the situation. Luckily, you’ll always have some choices that let you stay indoors and break routine. You’ll find bowling specials at the Gold Dust West and at Carson Lanes if the kids need to burn off some energy. A trip to one of our local art galleries will bring some color (and air conditioning) into your day. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival features RoseBud’s Dance Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this evening for a toe-tapping good time.

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:

Time for a new week, and it is going to be a hot one. Beat the heat by staying indoors and discovering the many art galleries throughout town. Capital City Arts Initiative has just installed a new exhibit in the Community Development downtown featuring work from UNR Students. Kids will enjoy a special craft activity at the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa; bring a picnic lunch, it’s the perfect park for an afternoon meal. Grab your dancing shoes, and leave the stress of the day at home.

Time to get July off to a fun start. The downtown Wine Walk is a great way to spend the day exploring new shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’re feeling competitive, head down to the Carson Mall for their watermelon and hot dog eating contests. The summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center continue with a singer/songwriter showcase.

SATURDAY:

• — Sierra Chef Farmers Market at Genoa Town Park, on Nixon in Genoa (8am-1pm; An assortment of fresh produce, herbs, eggs and more, crafts, and local food items and specialties)

What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

Into every life, a little trash must fall. A whole lot of trash, however, might be involved if you’re a beach. Keep Tahoe Blue is hitting the lake shore this morning to help mitigate the aftermath of yesterday’s festivities; lend a hand if you can. If you are looking for something quiet today, check out our local art galleries: they all have revolving exhibits featuring a variety of artists. The True Grit Exhibit at Western Nevada College comes to a close tomorrow, so head up there before it hits the trail.

THURSDAY, July 5: Things to do in Carson City

Tomorrow is the big day, but today offers a sneak preview if you’re willing to drive a little. Every year the town of Kings Beach, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, gets a head start on the festivities with a July Third Beach Bash and Fireworks Show. The Dayton Senior Center celebrates the holiday today with a BBQ, Cake Walk, BBQ and activities for all ages. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gets in the patriotic swing during this week’s Storytime Adventure program: the Fourth of July is today’s theme.

TUESDAY, July 3: Things to do in Carson City

Independence Day is just two days away, so you want to start making plans on how you’ll spend the day. For information on the various festivities and firework displays around Northern Nevada, check out my handy guide HERE. The annual RSVP carnival is in full swing at Mills Park.

Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the red, white, and blue celebration starts now. For a complete listing of upcoming Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the area, you can go HERE. See the trains under steam at the Nevada State Railroad and ride the rails to your heart’s content.

Let the band play on. Friday night offers some great night-life options for all ages. Fridays at Third continues with an outdoor concert featuring Road Daddy in the McFadden Plaza. Carson Mall plays hosts to their monthly cruise night. come for the cool cars and poker walk but stick around for a performance by Mo’z Motley Blues Band on the patio by Bella Vita Bistro. It’s open mic night at A to Zen; all talents and all ages are invited to show their stuff on the Zen stage.

FRIDAY, June 29: Things to do in Carson City

It won’t be quite as hot today, but it’s definitely summertime. The Library is still a great bet for all ages. Family story time happens every Thursday morning, with Lego Club offered Thursday afternoons. Shine up the chrome and head to Buffalo Wild Wings for the weekly summer cruise night. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint is a great place for music, food, and friends: they’ll be featuring Little Mazarn on the stage tonight as the Texas group swings through the area on their cross-country tour.

THURSDAY, June 28: Things to do in Carson City

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Break up the work week with some time out with friends. Try DJ Trivia at Bella Fiore; even though it’s a wine shop, the game is open to all-ages. Wine, Beer and Bowl at Carson Lanes is a fun way to break routine. Kids will love the Wildlife Show at the CVIC Hall in Minden; just get there early for a good seat. Take a trip back in time at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. The Young Chautauquans will bring notable Nevadans like Charley Parkhurst and Abe Curry to life.

WEDNESDAY, June 27: Things to do in Carson City

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: Things to do in Carson City

Some days were just made for the beach. But if you can’t make the trip up to Tahoe, you can always beat the heat at Carson Lanes. With one dollar games all day, it’s an inexpensive way to stay cool. Every afternoon this week teens can head down to the Carson City Library for a healthy dose of cinema classics: it’s 80s movie marathon week. Learn what's popping up in your garden at the Shoe Tree Brewery. Experts will be around to help you discern what could cause you trouble during tonight's 'Bring Your Own Noxious Weed' event. All ages karaoke at the Fox Brewpub is a fun way to finish a Monday night.

It’s a planes, trains, and automobiles kind of weekend. Add in bands, bikes and bar-be-ques and we’ve got most of this weekend’s list covered. The Carson City Airport is celebrating 90 years at this year’s open house and fly-in. One of the summer’s best events with balloon rides, cool old planes, and much more: you won’t want to miss it. Beat the heat at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; all admission fees have been waived today thanks to Carson City Toyota. Summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center begin tonight with the Original Wailers.

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

There is quite a bit to look forward to today, not to mention this coming weekend. The Rockabilly Riot roars into town and sets up shop at Mills Park for a whole weekend of vintage rat-rods and rock-n-roll. You’ll find the Extreme Motor Officers Challenge in the park, too, so expect it to be noisy. The Pony Express rides again, as it does every year, and retraces its historic route. Keep an eye out this evening for the rider heading east. Enjoy some blues, funk and rock courtesy of the Mylo McCormick Project at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park as part of their annual summer music series.

First off, I want to send a huge shout-out to the first responders, firefighters, and their support staff. We dove head-first into fire season, and like always, they work tirelessly to keep us safe. Thank you. Parks and Recreation has been leading a series of guided informative hikes along various trails. Today you’ll find a trip to Riverview Park with your four-legged friend in mind: Trails 4 Tails is open to all friendly, leashed dogs who love to sniff new things.

It’s Navy Week in Carson City, and that means you’ll have a handful of opportunities to catch performances by various US Navy bands over the next few days. Enjoy their woodwind quintet this afternoon in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the Nevada State Museum. This evening find the US Navy Brass Band in McFadden Plaza performing alongside the talented kids who participated in the Mile High Jazz Camp.

As quickly as it appeared, the circus will be leaving after tonight’s performance. If you haven’t yet seen the acrobatic feats and playful antics of the Ramos Bros. Circus, you’re running out of options. Monday also brings a fun activity to the grounds of the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. Kids will learn something new, make something, and spend some time outdoors. Now that summer has arrived, Food for Thought begins its summer program for kids in the Carson City area.

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY: