Time to celebrate moms, chili and other cultures

It's not your normal contest but I am sure it will have plenty of beans. The Annual Cinco De Mayo celebration in Virginia City is the place to hang out this weekend if you love chili. The International Chili Society cook-off will be held up and down C Street starting at the Bucket of Blood. You can sample the tasty chili as well as the salsa and your vote counts on the People's Choice Award. Bring the children as well and let the kids have fun trying to crack open the piñatas.

Cinco de Mayo Chili Cook-off

What: Salsa, chili contest, music and piñatas breaking for children.

Where: Virginia City, up and down the boardwalk

When: Saturday; tasting begins at 1 p.m.; live music at 2 p.m. and piñatas noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Information: If you want to enter, call Jett at 847-9016 (must be a ICS member)

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Take your mother out to relax and enjoy an outstanding brunch while helping Advocates to End Domestic Violence. Half of the proceeds from this event will go directly to Carson City's only domestic violence shelter. I can tell you that Advocates has made a huge difference in helping women who are trying to escape the circular effects of domestic violence. It's not just any shelter. They provide counseling, job skills and, most important, safety to help woman and children seeking a new life. Thanks to Gold Dust West Casino, this designated day of celebrating your moms will have a bigger impact by also assisting others. So make your reservations and enjoy a great time with your mother. Also The Taste of Downtown is set for June 21 so don't miss out with all the new establishments joining the Taste this year as well as those amazing favorites like Garibaldi's and B'sghetti's.

Gold Dust West Mother's Day Event

What: Brunch

Where: Gold Dust West Casino and Hotel, 2171 U.S. Hwy. 50 East

When: 11 a.m. Ð 3:30 p.m. May 11

Cost: Adults and children 12 years and older $30. Children younger than 12, $16. Children younger than 5 are free.

Contact: 883-7654

Save the Date: June 21, Taste of Downtown

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The 2nd Annual 5k Run/Walk to benefit CASA is coming up soon, so if you want to register you need to do so soon. Check out the two-day fun that comes along with helping this great cause. "Carb Up" the night before with a Pasta Feast to get you ready for the Long Ranch Park Run/Walk. Put your best foot forward to help Court Appointed Special Advocates assist in raising funds for children who need a voice. If you don't run or walk, come join the Pasta Feast and show your support.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

What: Pasta Feast, 5K Run/walk and I love Carson City, NV T-shirt and CASA Mug, 1.25 Kid's Run/Walk or Bike

When: Pasta Feast: 6-8 p.m. May 9; and 5k Run/Walk: start time 8:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: Pasta "Carb Up" Feast at First Presbyterian Church, 306 W. Musser Street and Long Ranch; Run starts at Bristol Park

Cost: Pasta Feast Adults $10; children 10 and younger $5. Run/Walk registration fee: General $25 and children/youth (10 and younger) $15

Contact: 882-6776

Web Registration: www.casaofcc.org

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The 13th Annual Multicultural Festival dates me. I went to the first one they ever held and can't believe that was 13 years ago. I highly recommend you and the children drop in at Western Nevada College and check this event out. It is a full day of amazing food, free entertainment with special guest appearance from Chilean Singer Laura Fuentes. It is held in the beautifully landscaped court area in Rotary Plaza between the Bristlecone and Aspen buildings. Experience the Taiko Drummers, Irish Dancers, Celtic Musicians, Russian Balalaika Society and Native American dancers - all for free.

13th Annual Multicultural Festival

What: Multicultural Festival

Where: Western Nevada College, 2201 W. College Parkway in Carson City

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 10

Cost: Free

Contact: 775-445-3234 or E-Mail: info_desk@wnc

NEXT WEEK: Carson City's Symphony's "Strings in the Schools" Youth Orchestra and the Mile High Jazz Club.

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.