john "Two Falls" Considine sits in front of his 1840's style tent at the Mills Park Rendevous Friday. he was one of hundreds that will particapate in the event going on through the weekend. Photo by Brian Corley
The sound of the bagpipes and cannonfire could be heard across Mills Park as the Carson City Rendezvous kicked off Friday.
Organizers are expecting as many as 35,000 people to visit the celebration of Carson City's past.
Nevada Society of Scottish Clans director and chaplain Robert Bledsaw played the bagpipes Friday evening.
This is Bledsaw's third year at the Rendezvous. When he started the Society had the only Scottish booth at the event.
Last year there the Scots had grown to four booths and this year there are 13.
"We hope some day to have our own games again," Bledsaw said. "Scots have a long history in Nevada. The first Robert Burns Day was celebrated around 1867."
Bledsaw said the Scots are celebrating their heritage.
"This is something we can pass on to our kids," he said.
Organizer Maxine Nietz said the Rendezvous booth space is full with 125-150 booths featuring food, gifts and other items for sale.
Six horse-drawn Civil War cannons will participate in the Civil War Battle on Saturday and were being test fired on Friday evening.
This is the first time horse-drawn artillery will participate in the battle, according to Fred Nietz.
Saturday's Rendezvous opens with a parade from the Capitol, north along Carson Street and then east on William Street. Opening ceremonies are 10 a.m. Saturday.
Civil War skirmishes are at 10 a.m. and noon with Pony Express demonstrations immediately afterward.
Farriers will be competing for one of the largest purses in 11 states on Sunday with team draft horse shoeing at 9 and 11:30 a.m.
Highlights
Today
8 a.m. -- Farriers begin forging
9:30 a.m. -- Grand Procession
10 a.m. -- Opening ceremonies
11 a.m. -- Sage Spirit Dancers
11:30 p.m. -- 'Hawk throwing
Noon -- Civil War battle
Noon -- Latin Energy Dancers
1 p.m. -- Sage Spirit Dancers
1 p.m. -- Live shoeing saddle horses
1:30 p.m. -- Latin Energy Dancers
1:30 p.m. -- Sierra Highlanders Bagpipe Band
2 p.m. -- Muzzleloaders
2 p.m. -- Civil War battle
2 p.m. -- Scottish Country Dancers
3 p.m. -- Sage Spirit Dancers
3:30 p.m. -- Latin Energy Dancers
4 p.m. -- Bluegrass and All That Jazz
7 p.m. -- Victorian Dance