Steam Train

Sundays are a great day to hit up the Carson City Library now that it’s open seven days a week. A viewing of the movie Persepolis begins at 2 p.m. and is about a young girl during the Iran Revolution in the 1970s. Pop-up Storytime is great choice for younger patrons.

The Fair at Fuji Park and the Silver Dollar Classic at Mills Park are still going strong. While you’re at Mills Park, take a ride on the train: rides begin at noon. Genoa is a great place to spend an afternoon. This month’s Sweet Sippin Sunday features Tequila cocktails and music by Carson’s own, Janera Paxton of the Whitehats. Mozart lovers won’t want to miss TOCATTA at the Shepard in the Sky Church for their Mozart in the Mountains concert.

SUNDAY:

• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• 21st Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic at Mills Park (8am-4pm show and shine, music, and vendors; Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am; Poker Run 12pm; BBQ 11am-1pm)

I apologize, Carson City. You have some decisions to make. There is quite a bit going on whether you want something family friendly, adults only, indoors, outdoors, or a combination of it all. The weekly Farmers Market at Third and Curry St. is always a good way to start the weekend. Yummy food, a bounce house for the kids, and beautiful flowers are hard to argue with. Keep reading for enough fun to make your head spin!

SATURDAY:

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• 21st Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic at Mills Park (8am-4pm show and shine, music, and vendors; Registration 8am-11am; Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am; Judging until 4pm)

The weekend has arrived and it’s bringing a plethora of activity with it. Car lovers will want to head to the Silver Dollar Car Classic at the Max Casino, known as the Carson Station just a few days ago. The Classic moves to Mills Park for the weekend. If the Mustangs and Broncos you prefer are horses, rather than Fords, you’ll want to grab a ticket to the Bull Riding Competition at the State Fair. Carnival rides, circus performances, and live music will keep everyone entertained. Make sure to catch the shuttle from the Casino Fandango parking garage: parking at Fuji Park is extremely limited. ‘Break a leg’ to the cast of Peter Pan. Youth Theater Carson City opens tonight at the Community Center.

FRIDAY: Full Moon Tonight:

• ‘Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada’ in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Sunday has gone to the dogs, thanks to Adele’s. Help raise funds for the Carson-Tahoe SPCA with the annual ‘Paws on the Veranda’ and enjoy breakfast or lunch with your furry (well-mannered and leashed) friend. Enjoy the afternoon at the Carson City Library. Show up at 2 p.m. for Sundaes on Sunday, but stick around for Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlow.

SUNDAY:

• Paws on the Veranda: Dog friendly fundraiser for Carson-Tahoe SPCA at Café at Adele’s (8am-3pm; 25% of sales donated; dogs must be leashed and well-mannered; goodie bag for pooches)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Discounted passes for the Nevada State Fair Carnival for sale at the Carson Visitor Bureau: 716 N. Carson St. ($20 for an all-day ride pass; available until July 29; $30 at the fair)
• Carson City BMX races at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex (Signups 9am-10am)
• Car Wash Fundraiser for Sierra Terhune: vendors, raffle, face painting, bounce house, and more–at NV Grand Prix Express Car Wash: 1295 Highway 395, Gardnerville (9am-2pm)

Can you believe it? It’s the last weekend of July and the kids will be headed back to school in no time. Don’t be dismayed though, plenty of summer fun can still be found. Sign the kids up for the Capital City Kids’ Triathlon at the Carson Aquatic Center. Head out to Mills Park for a few laps on the train or a picnic. Don’t miss out on making a bowl for the Empty Bowls project at the Farmers Market; or let the kids run off to the bounce house while you make a bowl yourself.

SATURDAY:

• Capital City Kids' Triathlon: Swim, Bike, Run at the Carson Aquatic Center: 841 N. Roop St. (registration begins at 7:30am, must check in 30 minutes prior to start time; $25 same day registration; ages 13-18 8am start; ages 11-12 8:45am start; ages 9-10 9:30am start; ages 7-8 10am start; ages 4-6 10:30am; must provide own bike and mandatory helmet)
• Poker Ride and Ice Cream Social hosted by Nevada All State Trail Riders at Silver Saddle Ranch: 4901 Carson River Rd (sign in 8am; $20 per poker hand; hikers, cyclists, and horse riders will each have own trail; begin at 9am)

I hope you’re looking for a great time tonight, because it will be easy to find. Head over to the Brewery Arts Center for a special appearance by Delta Nove, a funky reggae-fusion band from Southern California; sign up for a membership while you're there to keep the great performers coming! Fridays at Firkin returns with Road Daddy playing on the Third Street Stage. The Whitehats are getting the party started at Carson Station.

Sunday funday for families! Start the day at the Elks Club; the WNC Student Veteran Club is hosting a pancake breakfast and kids activities. Hit up the Nevada State Railroad Museum for rides on the Steam Train. Mills Park has a much smaller train to ride and plenty of room to run, play, and picnic. Watch the kittens play at Petsmart: SPCA is hosting a kitten party for adoptable pets. A concert with the Mark Sexton Band at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch is a great way to end the weekend.

SUNDAY:

• Pancake Breakfast and Kids’ Games hosted by Western Nevada College’s Student Veterans Club at the Elks Club: 515 N. Nevada St. (8am-12pm; $5, $3 kids)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Discounted passes for the Nevada State Fair Carnival for sale at the Carson Visitor Bureau: 716 N. Carson St. ($20 for an all-day ride pass; available until July 29; $30 at the fair)

Thunderstorms are on the horizon, so seize the day and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. Muscle Powered has organized a monthly trash mob to help keep our trails clean, join them at US Bank to help out. The Ghost Walk returns: meet behind the Firkin and Fox for some local haunted history. Teens will enjoy a ‘Night at the Library’ with pizza and games. And as always, the Nevada State Railroad Museum beckons: this week with rides on the Steam Train available.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)
• Muscle Powered One Hour Trash Mob: located at the south side of East College Parkway near the I-580 overpass where the multi-use path meets the sidewalk. Parking is available at US Bank/Dotty's Casino (8am-9am; Gloves, trash bags, and water will be available)
• Weekly Live Auction at Good Time Auctions: 3579 E Hwy 50, Suite 211 (Preview 8am-3pm; Live Indoor Auction 3pm)

Happy Friday, Carson City. We made it through another week and are now rewarded with another beautiful summer weekend. There are some great musicians in town tonight. The first anniversary celebration at Living the Good Life features Toree McGee in her first Nevada appearance. Sassafras is proud to host Wake Eastman and his special brand of outlaw honky-tonk. Grab some laughs at the Carson Nugget: Comedy night welcomes Justin Berkman. Dancers will enjoy World Dance Open Floor at Comma Coffee or swing dance at Yaple’s ballroom.

FRIDAY:

• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E. Proctor St. (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

Grab your friends and family and head out to Genoa for the last day of the Cowboy Fast Shoot Competition right by the Dake House. Stick around for a concert in the park featuring Dougie L. and the Lost Reverends, but you’ll want to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Chili and Salsa are still at Glen Eagles, so you have a second chance to pick a favorite. It’s your last chance to catch Senior Follies at the Community Center, and the Proscenium Players have a matinee of ‘Murder in an English Manor’ this afternoon, as well.

SUNDAY:

• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Discounted passes for the Nevada State Fair Carnival for sale at the Carson Visitor Bureau: 716 N. Carson St. ($20 for an all-day ride pass; available until July 29; $30 at the fair)
• Carson City BMX races at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex (Signups 9am-10am; $10)

I hope you’re hungry, Carson City. Hungry and adventurous. The annual Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair hits Glen Eagles this weekend, and there will be plenty to sample. If you need something cold to drink, head to 7-ELEVEN for a free small slushee from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. in celebration of Seven Eleven Day. The Farmers Market is always a good bet on Saturday mornings for sampling all the yummy stuff that grows nearby.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Young Eagle Flights (Weather Permitting; open to ages 8-17; registration 8am at the Airport Terminal Building, orientation 8:30am; free) Coffee and Donuts (8am-12pm, all welcome) at 2500 E. College Pkwy
• Garage Sale to benefit CASI (Carson Animal Shelter Initiative) at 611 Marsh Road, located at the end of East Fifth St. (8am-?)

Plan a date night on a wine train or enjoy the steam-rolling melodrama “Run to the Roundhouse Nellie” with a barbecue this summer aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Nevada’s window seat into the 1860s Comstock-era.

What a crazy week in the Sierras! Afternoon thunderstorms for the last several days, flooding, hail, and even snow in Yosemite are definitely unusual for this time of year. The storms are expected to subside this weekend, so keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine. Break a leg to the Proscenium Players as they open Murder in an English Manor at the Brewery Arts Center. Senior Follies debuts this year’s performance, Flashback, at the Community Center.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am-8am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

The weekend isn’t over yet. Enjoy breakfast at the Elk’s Club. They serve up pancakes and more every first Sunday. Genoa is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Sweet Sippin Sunday is like a mini wine walk, only this month the small businesses are serving up rum-based cocktails. Help keep Tahoe blue: the annual beach clean-up after the Fourth of July needs all the help it can get.

SUNDAY:

• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)

Happy birthday, America! Today we celebrate our independence, and what better way than with a carnival. You might as well stay at Mills Park all day, the fireworks display starts when it gets dark. Tune into Magic 95.5FM and you’ll hear the choreographed music to go along with the oohs and aaahs. Where ever you choose to watch fireworks, please be safe. There are thousands of visitors in the Northern Nevada area this weekend, and law enforcement will be out in full force.

SATURDAY: Independence Day

• Free Swim for Active and Retired Military at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pools only)
• Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Concert in the Park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (5K, $20 per person and family rates, free for active/retired military; register 7am-7:45am; Run/Walk begins 8am, Patriotic costumes encouraged; 8am Carson Valley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast $7; Free Kids Obstacle Course 8am; Free Concert begins 11:30am)

Over the next few days you will be inundated with options: where to go, what to see. Fourth of July weekend in Northern Nevada is a great time. Kick it off today with the Nevada State Train Museum; a parade of trains and unlimited ride passes. The carnival at Mills Park opens every day at noon and has rides, games, funnel cake and cotton candy; you’ll find a $5 off coupon at the RSVP booth. Head up to Kings Beach tonight and catch an early-bird fireworks display. Go here for a list all of your Independence Day options.

FRIDAY:

• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids)

Fourth of July celebrations abound in the Carson City area. Fireworks can be found in Carson City, Reno, Sparks, and at both north and south shore of Lake Tahoe. There are several daytime events going on as well, so grab the kids, friends, and family and have a great Independence Day weekend!

Friday, July 3:
July Third Fireworks and Beach Party at the North Tahoe Events Center on Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe (4pm-10pm, free; vendors, contests, games, music and more; Fireworks 9:30pm; FRIDAY)

Saturday, July 4:

Carson City:

Bikes, and cars, and brews: oh my! Downtown Carson is awash in activity on Saturday. Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly features the Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge, vendors, a brewfest, moustache competition and more. The Karson Kruzers are hosting their annual car show at Fuji Park, but will be making their way downtown after it’s over, so there will be plenty of cool cars to admire. Mojo Green takes the stage at 7 p.m. and you can head into the Carson Cigar Company to enjoy Reno’s newest Pink Floyd Tribute Band, Scarlett Moon at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY:

• Karson Krusers’ Run Whatcha Brung Car Show at Fuji Park (registration 7am-9am; show and vendors until 6pm; parade to downtown 6pm)
• Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers Fundraising Yard Sale on Ophir Circle, off Richmond (8am-3pm; help send them to perform at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)

Editor's Note: Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Carson Now would also like to extend birthday wishes to Danielle Cook, who puts this calendar together every day for her Facebook site, I Love Carson City and for Carson Now.
The Reno Rodeo is always a good time for the whole family. Or head over to Tahoe Ridge Winery for their CruZin and Cabernet Father’s Day Celebration. Dangberg Ranch, off Highway 88 in Minden, is kicking off their Summer Concert Series with the Nighthawks. Bring a chair or blanket, and the whole family.

SUNDAY: Father’s Day

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (12pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• Father's Day Brunch sponsored by Carson City Emblem Club #507 at the Elks Club: 515 N. Nevada St. (9am-1pm; $10)
• Flea-Market at Silver State Charter School on Mallory Way (9am-5pm)

The solstice couldn’t come at a better time: we need some long days to get through all the fun stuff Carson City has crammed into one weekend. The annual Powwow at the Stewart Indian School runs Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to see the dancing, peruse the crafts, and eat an Indian Taco. Don’t miss the Fly-in and Open House at the Carson City Airport: fun for the whole family. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of Carson City’s favorite events: the Taste of Downtown. Music, food, and more from Carson Mall to Williams Street. Have a great time, and be safe.

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

While virtually the entire town of Virginia City remains true to its 1850s heritage, today’s visitor is now able to connect with the past through the future with the integration of free Wi-Fi. The “VC Visitor” access provides free 24-hour access with a simple email login for visitors in the business district.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in historic Virginia City with the annual Celebration of Heroes Parade Saturday, May 23 at noon. Taking place along C Street, the parade honors the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The historic mountain town of Virginia City, Nev. was born from the Comstock Lode, a discovery of silver ore so rich it has never been surpassed. To honor this mining heritage, the town celebrates with Muckfest: Mining, Whiskey & Cigars, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Delta parking lot in the heart of town.

When the whistle blows Memorial Day weekend it will be full steam ahead this summer aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Nevada's authentic train ride through the 1860s Comstock-era Wild West.

The smell of hot chili will permeate the region as Virginia City, Nev.’s 32nd annual Chili on the Comstock heats up this weekend, May 2 – 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The historic mining town plays host to more than 30 professional and amateur chili cooks as well as hundreds of hungry festival-goers.

Historic Virginia City, Nev.'s biggest annual event of the year is all new for 2015. Having outgrown its current venue, the 56th annual International Camel and Ostrich Races, presented by Dolan Auto Group, is moving to the new Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds, Sept. 11-13, 2015.

The 32nd annual Chili on the Comstock once again brings the heat May 2-3 to the Comstock in historic Virginia City, Nev. The historic mining town plays host to more than 30 professional chili cooks and hundreds of revelers participating in the Crawl Back In Time Fireball Saloon Crawl, a sampling of themed beverages from 15 locations. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Virginia City’s economic vitality is getting a shot in the arm with the addition of a new event venue designed to accommodate nearly 5,000.

For a place dating back more than 150 years, Virginia City attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Many are drawn to the historic Comstock town for its rich history; many others attend one of the unique events that make up the annual calendar including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, the International Camel & Ostrich Races or the Outhouse Races.

Each year the historic Nevada mining town of Virginia City goes nuts and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day a few days early with a festival that pays homage to the part of the male cow anatomy that usually winds up snipped on the cutting room floor.