Kevin Ray, project coordinator for the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, talks on his cell phone at the Carson City Railroad Museum. Ray also volunteers on the Nevada Day Board, where he booked Frank Sinatra Jr. as the honorary grand marshal. Seth Meyer/ Nevada Appeal
As the special-events coordinator for Carson City Redevelopment Authority, project coordinator for the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railway and a volunteer member of the Nevada Day Board, Kevin Ray does a lot for the community.
He is producing the Capital City Summer Celebration with more than 25 free outdoor events, has helped bring in four miles of rail by raising funds for the V&T project, manages the Ghost Walk and Wild West Tour, and lined up Frank Sinatra Jr. as this year's Nevada Day parade grand marshal.
You help organize a lot of special events in Carson City - what event do you get most excited about?
Working with the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau to produce the Ghost Walk each year is a lot of fun. We create a spirited atmosphere the week before Halloween and bring excitement to downtown.
Last year, over 800 people experienced the "spirits from Carson City's past" and enjoyed learning about our history. This year, Nevada Day will be an electrifying weekend for Carson City, with over 50,000 people celebrating "Entertainment, Nevada Style."
I was excited to secure Frank Sinatra Jr. as our grand marshal, thanks to the introduction by Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt. Sinatra, coupled with this year's international Tribute to Elvis Competition, will really make Nevada Day rock.
What could the reconstruction of the V&T Railway mean for Northern Nevada?
Jobs, jobs and more jobs. The economic impact will be worth over $40 million dollars to Northern Nevada during the construction phase, creating over 800 new jobs. After the railway is built, we will have a tourist destination that will bring an additional 140,000 visitors to our area, with an estimated positive fiscal impact of over $16 million annually.
I have been very fortunate to work with Mayor Masayko, chairman of the commission, who is leading this project to completion with many dedicated supporters. There has been tremendous progress this past year, and I am eager to continue the work to finish this unparalleled attraction for our region.
What is the goal of the downtown redevelopment effort?
I see them stimulating economic growth in the downtown corridor while preserving our heritage. The variety of events drawing people to downtown creates an energy that is vital to the liveliness of Carson City. As the local shops, restaurants and business owners prosper, so does the city as a whole. By celebrating our historic district, they encourage tourism and invigorate the quality of life for the residents.
How will the completion of the freeway affect the downtown corridor?
People will see our downtown as more pedestrian friendly, free from the traffic and trucks that are simply passing by. Carson City offers a unique destination that is rich in history, museums, parks and entertainment. Visitors and residents will spend more leisure time downtown, exploring the historic districts, listening to music on the lush lawns of the Legislature, or shopping and dining in a relaxed environment.
By reducing the noise and congestion from the trucks, the bypass will positively impact the inner core of Carson City.
What other big ideas do you have for Carson City?
The potential is unlimited with the reconstruction of the V&T Railway. I look forward to riding along the Carson River while enjoying the unique scenery and glimpsing into our history. I would like to seek out sponsors for rolling stock next year so we can create "end of the line" tours from Gold Hill as the track is being laid.
It would be terrific to see more venues for entertainment and the arts in Carson City for all the local talent. We recently launched the free Sunday concerts at the Legislature lawn as part of the Capital City Summer Celebration, and I am working with Ann Suter on the Music and Cultural Celebration that will be held at the new Plaza Conference Center for Nevada Day Weekend.
Next year, I'd like to create a festival during our music series that would also showcase artisans, photographers, sculptors and painters, and bring the spotlight to their work and talents.