Joe Goss, a 2002 Carson High School graduate, made his debut at the Nevada Day World Champion Rock Drilling competition Saturday.
Goss, a native of Carson City, enrolled in the University of Nevada, Reno four years ago with the intention of majoring in business.
However, he enrolled in one mining class and "fell in love."
He started competing in the collegiate rock-drilling contests, but never competed at Nevada Day until this year.
"I know it's ironic that I'm a Carson City boy and have never done it. I meant to come down here last year."
The competition was different than he is used to in that it lasts 10 minutes instead of two, and drillers drill into solid granite instead of concrete.
"Obviously, it was exhausting," he said. "But it was very exciting to hear the crowd cheering me on. I'll definitely be back."
The 22-year-old drilled 5.1 inches, finishing in 18th place.
Nevada Day can be the perfect time to show off wacky fashions in a crowd that doesn't really mind, either because they think you are part of the parade, or they are too drunk to stare.
There were some who preferred the Western attire for Nevada's birthday.
"I dress like a cowboy every day and I've never been on a horse," said construction worker John Bjordahl, who was wearing a wide-brimmed hat, leather vest and cowboy boots. He also wore a neck brace, an item acquired after falling off a roof while at work.
No Nevada Day ensemble would be complete without a clear plastic cup full of beer. Which Bjordahl also described as an "every day drink."
Sticking out from the crowd was 19-year-old Robert Reynolds in a red sequined vest with white and blue stars and a matching newsboy hat.
"I found it in the (Valley) Chic Boutique in the Carson Mall and I thought it would be a cool thing to wear for the Fourth of July and Nevada Day," the Western Nevada Community College student said.
Rhonda Ruiz, a WNCC math teacher, spent several hours festooning a ball cap with curly ribbons for the parade.
"Happy birthday Nevada," she said.
Holly Harkins, a medical assistant from Carson City, bought her tall Uncle Sam hat for $5 at a parade booth. Other than the patriotic flair, she recommends layering clothing to watch the parade.
"It starts out freezing and it gets warmer as the day goes on," she said.