Experience the Wild West at this weekend's Carson Rendezvous

The 27th annual Carson City Rendezvous Salute to the Pony Express brings history to life Friday through Sunday at Mills Park, with even more free events planned this year.

Besides the living history mountain men and Civil War encampments, this year organizers invite the community to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express, witness the "Ruckus at the Rendezvous," and welcome new citizens to our country as they receive their naturalization, an event that HBO will be on hand to film.

"We've been involved in this event since 1997 and have tried new things every year to keep the Rendezvous interesting and viable," said Maxine Nietz, event organizer and co-owner with her husband Fred, of Arlington Group Events, LLC.

Opening ceremonies take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, which will not only bring history to life, but will itself be a historical moment, Nietz said.

"The ceremonies will be attended by Mr. And Mrs. (Abe) Lincoln and the Pony Express riders will dispatch a message," she said. "HBO has also contacted us and will be there to film as part of a series they're doing, the naturalization ceremony of 12 new citizens, who have come to this country from such places as Brazil and Finland and who presently reside in Nevada."

The Brookfield Choraliers will be on hand singing "I'm Glad to Call Nevada Home," and Trisha Zinda will sing the National Anthem. Local celebrity John Tyson will speak about the diverse heritage of the West.

The big cannons will be on the field for Civil War battles that will be fought twice daily on Saturday and Sunday.

"Ruckus on the Rendezvous," a gunfight competition officially sanctioned by the Re-enactors Guild of America and hosted by Nevada Gunfighters of Carson City, will also take place over Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be a Dutch Oven Cooking Competition and demonstrations sanctioned by the International Dutch Oven Society.

Be sure to visit the mountain man and Civil War encampments and the Native American village, to experience firsthand what it was like to live during that time. Live demonstrations and contests, arts and crafts and music of the day will be presented. Stagecoach and train rides will be ongoing.

Great Basin's traditional Eagle Wings Pageant Dancers, an Old West Fashion Show and live music and events on two stages are also a part of the festivities.

"There is so much going on - vendors, great food, free concerts Friday night with Tom Hiatt and Saturday with David John & The Comstock Cowboys are all scheduled," Nietz said. "And of course Kiwanis of the Sierra will be pouring the beer."

Mills Park is located on Highway 50 East between Roop Street and Saliman Road in Carson City. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For a complete schedule, visit carsoncityrendezvous.com or eventsnevada.com.