Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal One-year-old Ashlyn Burkett proudly shows off her affection for her mom during RSVP Spring Fun Fair on Sunday afternoon at Mills Park.
Forget the flowers and cards, the moms at Mills Park on Sunday were hoping to receive something a little different for Mother's Day.
An adrenaline rush.
For the 22nd year, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ushered in the summer sun with a Spring Fun Fair in Mills Park.
As always, moms could ride the Super Tilt-O-Whirl, bumper cars, the Hall of Mirrors and all the other rides for free on Mother's Day. The fair was held Thursday through Sunday and included carnival rides and games as well as food and craft vendors.
But 3-year-old Kembria Burnett wasn't interested in the Tilt-O-Whirl. She wanted to ride on the planes all by herself, though she still waived to her mom Aimee every time the ride went around.
The Burnett family decided that the best way to spend Mother's Day was at the carnival.
"We came out for Mother's Day so that the girls could ride on the rides and have some fun together," said Kembria's father Mike.
It was the free offer that got the Scribner family to Mills Park. Well, that and the rides.
"I love my mom," said Brendan, 4. "And I like the cars."
For mom Kim, it was the perfect present.
"It's Mother's Day and I get to be here. I got out of this scott-free," she joked.
All proceeds from the fair go to support the RSVP's Home Companion and Lifeline programs. The programs assist homebound seniors to remain independent and in their own homes.
The Carnival is run by Inland Empire Shows, based on Missoula, Mont. The carnival traditionally returns during Nevada Day Weekend in October.
The goal was simple for Shawna Pitts and her 9-year-old daughter Shea, both of Carson City.
"We wanted to have a fun day in the sun for us," Shawna said.
After the Fun House, Shea already had her eyes on the rides at the far end of the midway.
"I think I want to try the Super Tilt-O-Whirl, that one looks like fun," Shea said.
Even with her focus elsewhere, Shea still remembered who brought her to the carnival, her mom.
"What do I like best? Her love, that's the best part," Shea said.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.