Rendezvous to celebrate Pony Express

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, be witness to "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 of Arlington Group Events, LLC.

Opening ceremonies take place at 10 a.m. Saturday.

"The ceremonies will be attended by Mr. And Mrs. (Abe) Lincoln and the Pony Express riders will dispatch a message," Nietz said. "HBO has also contacted us and will be there to film ... 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."

At the naturalization ceremony, The Brookfield Choraliers will sing "I'm Glad to Call Nevada Home" and Trisha Zinda will sing the National Anthem. John Tyson will speak about the diverse heritage of the West.

The big cannons will be on the field for Civil War battles, fought twice daily 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, also will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

There also will be a Dutch oven competition and demonstrations.

There will be living history mountain man and Civil War encampments and a Native American village. Demon-strations, 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.

"This is a great way for families to come out and learn our history in a way that's fun and painless."