Memorial Day weekend promises plenty of pomp

This weekend begins a series of events to celebrate Memorial Day and history in and around Carson City.

On Saturday, The Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau is staging a "ghost walk" that pays tribute to key figures and venues of the capital city's past.

Notable characters include Kit Carson, Margaret Ormsby and riders on the Pony Express.

There are 12 stops along a 1.5 mile route, which will stop at the Ferris Mansion, the home of George Ferris, Jr., the inventor of the Ferris wheel; the home of Mark Twain's brother Orion Clemens, who served as territorial governor and St. Teresa's Catholic Church, which was built in Carson City in 1871.

The tours begin at 3rd and South Carson streets, and depart every half-hour, beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12 and free for those under age six.

Also on Saturday, Virginia City plays host to the Celebration of Heroes Parade, which honors those who gave their lives for their country. Angus Kittle, a decorated Vietnam veteran, will serve as the grand marshal. The parade is along Virginia City's C Street and begins at noon.

Dayton also hosts a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Dayton Cemetery, which includes a flag-folding ceremony, a flag presentation by Boy Scouts of America Troop 100 and a honor guard.

AAA Traffic offers a few tips to ease the pain at the pump as you travel for the Memorial Day Holiday:

• Slowing down by as little as 5 mph can save gas.

• Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden stops.

• Keep engine tuned and tires properly inflated.

• Use regular gas unless manufacturer states otherwise.

• Reduce weight in car - every 250 pounds extra the car loses one mile per gallon.

AAA recommends the following driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line free-up.

• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

• Always look and steer where you want to go.

• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.