Pick your fun on the Fourth

Fourth of July celebrations are all around this weekend, offering close-to-home fun for the entire family.

Carson City

In Carson City, the 18th annual July 4th Celebration hosted by Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), takes place Thursday through Sunday at Mills Park (corner of Roop Street and Highway 50). The family event is a fundraiser to support Home Companion, Respite Care and Lifeline programs, that help Nevada senior citizens live independent in their homes.

The four-day event features the carnival by Inland Empires Show, arts, crafts and vendors. There is something available for everyone to enjoy, and the events draws some 25,000 to 30,000 people over the weekend, said Mike Hughes, event coordinator.

"Inland Empires Show are great folks to work with, and we have always received great community support," Hughes said.

RSVP receives a portion of carnival ticket sales, with specials offered to make the event more affordable, Hughes said. One special allows a parent to ride all day for $10 with the purchase of a child's ticket.

Food, arts and craft vendors can be visited without admission costs and are predominately local, so purchases support area businesses and people, he added.

Of course, the fireworks show on Sunday is always a sight to behold. The display begins at about 9:15 p.m. and lasts about 25 minutes. Any wind may cause delay, though this has yet to be an issues, Hughes said.

"We set the fireworks up right behind the high school, and it's usually standing room only at Mills Park," Hughes said. "People also park at the high school and the community center, but you can see them from pretty much any place in town."

Major donors for fireworks this year are being provided by Carson City Toyota, Carson City Nugget, Gold Dust West and Wells Fargo Bank. Smaller donors include NVEnergy, Adele's Restaurant and the Nevada State Office of Business Development, Hughes said.

The carnival opens Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. and noon Saturday and Sunday. The venue will close between 11 p.m. and midnight, depending on crowds.

To learn more about RSVP and the work it does, call 775-687-4680 or visit nevadaruralrsvp.org.

Virginia City

In keeping with its tradition of marking special events with parades, Virginia City's annual Fourth of July Spectacular is marked by its patriotic parade at noon Sunday. This year's parade honors the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Robert and Ardelle Gray will be grand marshalls. Robert has been instrumental in the salvage, restoration and expansion of the V & T.

While temperatures on the Comstock average 10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, the activities there are hot, hot, hot.

"We see four waves of people come through on July 4, which is the biggest celebration we host," said Susan Sutton, Virginia City Convention &Tourism Authority executive director. "People get here early for the parade, there are those who come to party all day, those who come for the concert and then those who come only for the fireworks."

Be sure to take lawnchairs for parade, concert and fireworks seating, if desired.

Throughout the day, all the saloons will host live music, stores will be open and the boardwalks will be filled with facepainters, clowns, free giveaways for the children, and no end to historical figures, shootouts and more.

David John & the Comstock Cowboys present their annual Second Amendment Concert from 6-9 p.m. at The Delta Saloon parking lot. Come out and dance to one of the area's favorite bands, before attending the fireworks which begin at dusk, about 9:15 p.m.

The Virginia & Truckee Shortline will run all day, and there will also be two longruns to Carson City. The first departs Carson at 10 a.m., with the return departing V.C. at 3 p.m. and arriving back in Carson at 4:20 p.m. A deadend run departs from Carson at 5 p.m. and arrives in V.C. at 6:30 p.m. (except Saturdays). Shuttle tickets for a return to Carson cost $10. Contact Carson City Convention & Visitor's Bureau for departure, ticket and shuttle information at 1-800-NEVADA-1 or on the Web at visitcarsoncity.com.

For more information about all that Virginia City offers, go to visitvirginiacitynv.com or call 775-847-7500.

Pyramid Lake

For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors, Pyramid Lake offers camping, fishing and boating for one day or the full weekend.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe reminds visitors that all laws and regulations will be in effect, and that fireworks are prohibited.

Visitors can save time and print their own day use, camping, boating, fishing and other permits online. Unlike at area stores, online permit sales do not charge a convenience fee and are available 24 hours a day. For more information, list of rules, permits and more visit pyramidlake.us. Information only, call 775-476-1155, or become a friend on Facebook at facebook.com; search Pyramid Lake.

More celebrations

• Kirkwood Celebration. Kirkwood's Fourth of July celebration is today through Sunday. The Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department barbecue is 3:30-6 p.m. Saturday, with music by the Kingtones, fireworks at 9 p.m. Weekend events include skiing, mountain biking, and a fly-fishing clinic. Information, kirkwood.com

• Join the Silver Dollar cars tonight for an evening of rock 'n' roll and great food. No charge for the cars or spectators. Everyone welcome. 6-8 p.m. at the east side of the Carson Mall. For more information call 775. 687-7410.

• The Downtown Wine Walk is the first Saturday of every month. Purchase a wine glass and map for $10 and enjoy the wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, art galleries, gift shops, casinos & restaurants. More Info: 883-2211

• Andrews Sisters Revisited. Special concert by Terri Bond, Haley Bond and Cherie, who have teamed up, complete with costumes, to bring the Andrews Sisters to St. Teresa's of Avila, 3000 Lompa Lane, Carson City. Bring a desert to share and stay to view the city's fireworks. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with the concert at 7:15 p.m. For information, call 882-1968.

• The Sierra Philharmonic League hosts their 27th annual Pops in the Park at Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa on July 4. The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will play patriotic musical selections and TV personality John Tyson will narrate the Gettysburg Address. The Reno Philharmonic Chorus and the Carson Chamber Singers are also scheduled to perform. The concert starts at 4:15 p.m. Entertainment gets underway at 1 p.m. and includes a silent auction, food, drinks, face painting, a Children's Instrument Petting Zoo and fun for the entire family. Free. For additional information please call Theresa at 781-0150 or Brenda at 267-2403.

• The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra, conducted by Elizabeth Eubanks, presents their Independence Day concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, at Heritage Park in Gardnerville. Bring the family and a picnic for the free concert of patriotic favorites and music about the American West. For more information, e-mail cvpops@hotmail.com or call 530-515-5492.