Celebrate Independence all weekend long

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program's July 4th Celebration may draw record crowds as Reno adopts a smaller Independence Day festival and more locals vacation at home, organizers said.

"Hopefully everyone who's staying home because of the economy will come out," said RSVP Director of Development Mike Hughes. "All the funds come right back to Carson City, so it's a worthwhile thing."

The annual gathering, in its 17th year, will run through Sunday at Mills Park. The four-day event includes the Inland Empire Shows carnival, food vendors and arts and crafts booths as well as a free fireworks show on Saturday at 9:15 p.m.

"We usually see between 20,000 and 25,000 people over the weekend," Hughes said. "(On most days), the weather affects attendance, but on the Fourth of July, there's not a blade of grass open in that park."

Saturday's fireworks show will be put on by the same group as last year's performance, the special effects crew responsible for the famous volcano effect at the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas.

The carnival midway will feature 30 rides, games and attractions including the Sea Ray Pirate Ship, the Zipper, Super Tilt-a-Whirl, European Bumper Cars, the Glass House and a merry-go-round. Visitors will receive a sheet of five "Carnival Bucks" when they purchase either a sheet of 10 ride tickets or an unlimited ride stamp at the carnival ticket booths.

The event is among the primary fundraisers for RSVP's Home Companion, Lifeline and Transportation Programs, which help senior citizens live on their own rather than moving into institutions.

• RSVP's July 4th Celebration at Mills Park opens at 4 p.m. today, 3 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Free fireworks show launches at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday. All-day ride passes are $25, or $18 with a coupon available at www.funNbiz.com.

• The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will roll out the most beautiful surviving 19th century classic American-type steam locomotive - the V&T Railroad's famous Inyo locomotive. Volunteers will operate the locomotive on the museum's tracks 9-10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Inyo will be outside, under steam, and visitors can speak with the crew. Rides on steam-powered passenger trains will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fares are $5 adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, $3 children 6-11 years, and free to those 5 and younger. Warren Engine Company No. 1 will sell hot dogs and hamburgers.

• The Carson Chamber Singers and the Reno Philharmonic will perform its annual "Pops in the Park" concert Saturday at Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. Sponsored by the Sierra Philharmonic League, the concert starts at 4:30 p.m. Other entertainment begins at 1 p.m. Arrive early to the popular event.

• Also in Genoa is the town's chicken barbecue at the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10.

• The Virginia City Independence Day Celebration parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, with a free 2nd Amendment Concert with David Johns and the Comstock Cowboys in the Delta Saloon parking lot. The show starts at 6 p.m., but events ranging from children's activities to a country show with Lacy J. Dalton will run all day. A fireworks show is scheduled for dusk. Call the Virginia City Visitors Center at 847-4386) or visit www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.• Reno's fireworks display will be limited to a show following the Reno Aces baseball game (www.renoaces

.com), but Sparks' annual Star Spangled Sparks celebration is set to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at Sparks Marina Park. Events will be held throughout the day and at nearby Victorian Square. For more information, visit www.ci.sparks.nv.us.

• Tahoe's regular Lights on the Lake fireworks show, billed as the largest on the West Coast, is set to go on as planned on Saturday night. For more information visit www.ltva.org.