Carson Valley Days salutes the Old West

The weather forecast for this weekend's Carson Valley Days celebration is perfect. Light winds, sunny skies and temperatures hovering around the 80-degree mark are expected, according to Brian Brong, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Parade organizers say Highway 395 and several side streets closed starting at 8:15 a.m. today.

"We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves," Ben Pridham, who is in charge of the parade, said. "But all the back streets and everything are going to be closed off. Getting into town is going to be impossible."

This year's celebration, "A Salute to the Old West," kicks off with a parade down Esmeralda Avenue at 9 a.m. today and ending at Lampe Park around noon.

The Promise Band and special guests will perform from noon to 4 p.m. at the Park, followed by The Stately Gentlemen from 4-8 p.m.

In addition to the music and nice weather, the event includes food, a craft fair and a lot of contests, everything from arm wrestling for the adults to a water balloon toss for the kids.

Events like the pedal tractor pulls, firefighter water fights and the greased pole competition will be ongoing.

The fun starts at noon on Sunday with the infamous glutton bowl, an eating contest, and ends with the Carson Valley Days raffle at 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club, the event also includes a slow-pitch softball tournament.

For information, visit the club's Web site at www.carsonvalleydays.org.

Pridham said parade entrants will stage at Douglas High School and get their entry numbers at 7 a.m. today for placement in the parade. He said children should not be left unattended on floats and parents should accompany their children to the parade.

- Contact reporter Susie Vasquez at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.