TRIP OF THE WEEK:
Thousands to flock to Carson City for Nevada Day celebration
Nevada residents to flock to Carson City for the Nevada Day celebration. MIKE MILLER/REVIEW-JOURNAL
This year Nevada celebrates 141 years since its admittance into the Union as the 36th state on Oct. 31, 1864. Nevada remains one of only three states to declare a special day in celebration of becoming a state. In the Silver State, the observance provides an opportunity to salute our unique heritage.
The whole state observes Nevada Day on Oct. 31, a special holiday often lost in the excitement over Halloween. Nevada's historic state capital, Carson City, annually lines up an exuberant festival in honor of the occasion. This year it spans the long weekend created by the state holiday, Oct. 29-31.
Advertisement
Nevada day organizers anticipate 40,000 people flocking to Carson City for the special events planned. Although many attendees come from the surrounding Reno-Tahoe area, others arrive from elsewhere. Hotels and motels in Carson City fill up fast during this big weekend. Southern Nevadans planning to attend should make reservations soon. Keep in mind the many hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns and resorts within easy reach of Carson City.
The Nevada Day parade scheduled for Oct. 29 draws the most attention. A popular event since 1938, the parade lasts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It courses two and a half miles through the center of town on Carson Street.
The 2005 parade theme salutes "The Wild West." Reigning as parade grand marshal, cowboy-journalist John Tyler epitomizes Nevadans who know the state from border to border, having seen much of it from horseback. He first served as parade marshal in 1984.
This year's 200 parade entries will include floats, marching bands, equestrian groups and more judged in 35 categories for various awards. A fly-over by F-18 Hornets from Fallon Naval Air Station will signal the start of the parade. Crowds will line the street to watch and cheer for participants. Those arriving early will witness lift-off of colorful hot air balloons, wind allowing.
Plan for the area's changeable weather this time of year. Parade-goers often enjoy balmy hours under cloudless skies, but they regret leaving those jackets behind when autumn storms move in quickly from the nearby Sierras.
Several other events occur on Oct. 29. Take the family to the Nevada State Railroad Museum on south Carson Street to ride a train behind an old-fashioned locomotive during a special "steam-up" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $4 for adults and $2 for youngsters. Children under 6 ride free of charge.
Watch the 31st annual singlejack drilling contest at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the Carson Nugget. Aided by a helper pouring water, a driller wielding a sledge hammer drives a bit into a slab of granite. The team to drive the deepest hole in 10 minutes wins $2,000, part of a $6,000 purse for the popular mining event.
A fixture of the Nevada Day lineup, the formal 1864 Grand Ball takes place in Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, the famous silver boom town located in the mountains between Carson City and Reno. An elegant affair at $50 a head, the ball will feature beautiful costumes from the Comstock era, as well as modern formal attire. Proceeds benefit the Piper's Opera House restoration project.
The stately Nevada Governor's Mansion will remain open for tours on Oct. 29 from 2-4 p.m. The mansion lies a couple of blocks west of the parade route in the heart of Carson City's charming historic district. View exteriors of many fine old homes and other buildings from yesteryear on a self-guided walking tour. Look for guide brochures locally at the Nevada State Museum, the chamber of commerce and other information depots.
The Nevada State Museum located in the former Carson City Mint building features special Nevada historical displays all this month. The downtown facility remains open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Youngsters under age 17 enter free of charge, while seniors pay $3 and other adults pay $5.
Plan to take in other Nevada Day events in and around Carson City, including a beard contest, golf tournament, classic run or walk, pancake breakfast, chili feast and a carnival. Call (775) 882-2600 for more information or use the Web site at www.nevadaday.com.
