Carson Valley Days kicks off this week

The theme of the 2008 Carson Valley Days is "Keep Nevada Open." The annual event is celebrated with a parade, a hot air balloon launch, carnival, a rodeo and the Carson Valley Days Walk, Jog, Run on June 12-15.

"The theme of 'Keep Nevada Open' means keeping rural areas open," said Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club treasurer Jeremy Davidson. "It could be interpreted as a growth issue, but we're a nonpolitical club. We try to keep it general.

"The main idea is to keep public lands open to recreation and keeping trails open," he said. "The club members like to go out on quads and go camping."

The members of the 20-30 club are the organizers of Carson Valley Days events and are looking for parade entries to go with the theme of keeping Nevada open. Some ideas for parade entries are using off-road vehicles, horses and kayaks.

Sponsorships and donations for raffle prizes are needed. Sponsorships can range from $200 to $5,000 and go toward logos on T-shirts, banners or carnival tickets.

Sponsorship information and applications for parade entries and craft vendors are available at www.carsonvalley2030.org. Information, Pat Kincheloe, 291-4233.

Carson Valley Day events include the carnival at Lampe Park, June 12-15, Carson Valley Days Walk, Jog, Run and the parade on June 14; the Carson Valley Days Rodeo at the fairgrounds on June 14 and 15; children's games in Lampe Park and craft fair on June 14 and 15;

Carson Valley Days buttons available

The 2008 edition of Carson Valley Days buttons are on sale for $1 from Soroptimist International of Carson Valley. The tradition of wearing Carson Valley Days buttons saves the wearer from being thrown in "jail" at the Carson Valley Days parade on June 14.

Proceeds benefit community service projects sponsored by Soroptimist International of Carson Valley.

Buttons are available at Ace Hardware, 88 Cups, AG Edwards/Wachovia, Artisans International Gallery, Carson River Community Bank in Minden, Carson Valley Market, Cafe Girasole, Carson Valley Inn Gift Shop, Changes hair salon, City National Bank, The French Bar, Historian Inn, JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, Jen's Optical House, Jethro's, Laxague Feed and Supply, Nevada State Bank in Minden, Raley's, Scolari's, Lira's Market, Two Guys from Italy, Wells Fargo Bank, World Gym and The Record-Courier.

Buttons may be purchased from any Soroptimist member. Information, Arlene Gleich, 782-2215, or Jano Kelly, 782-8126.

Carnival tickets on sale

Pre-sale carnival tickets for Carson Valley Days are on sale through June 12 at Nevada State Bank, Accolades Trophies and Raley's.

The carnival is June 12-15 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the time of carnival.

The Carson Valley Active 20-30 invites special-needs children and their families to a free night at the carnival at Lampe Park on June 11. Wrist bands required for admission. Information, Brian Deaton, 220-8046.