The annual Nevada Day Celebration kicks off this week with the RSVP Nevada Day Fair opening at 4 p.m. today and continuing through Sunday when The Capital City Community Band performs a free concert at 1:30 p.m. at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
"This event is unique to Nevada and celebrates our history," said Kathy McClintock, member of the Nevada Day Committee.
It is the only event of its kind or scope in the United States, celebrating the founding and rich history that made Nevada and commemorating its 146 years of statehood.
Dinners, dances, tours, a powwow, concerts, contests and more, round out the three-day celebration and offers something for everyone.
Nevada Day Parade
Themed "100 Years of Aviation in Nevada," the parade's grand marshal is Dick Rutan, who piloted the Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, unrefueled flight around the world, in 1986.
The public will have the opportunity to meet Rutan at the Grand Marshal's Dinner on Friday at the Carson Nugget. Tickets cost $30. Reservations are required. Call 882-2600.
Parade day begins with a 7 a.m. hot air balloon launch in front of the old Gottschalks on South Carson Street.
The fly-over of F-18 Hornets and an F-16 Falcon from Fallon Naval Air Station and a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport from the Nevada Air Guard above Carson Street at 10 a.m., signals the beginning of the Nevada Day Parade. The parade route begins at the intersection of William and Carson streets and ends at the intersection of Stewart and Carson streets.
Among locals, Curry Street is a favorite gathering place to reconnect and meet friends not seen since the prior year.
"I see a lot of hugs and visiting each year," said Jeanette Champagne, owner of Rocking and Rolling at 402 N. Curry St. "We get so many people here that this year we're hosting an exhibit by photographer Wolf Kohz with his beautiful shots of Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe and, weather permitting, will have an information table hosted by the High Desert Rockers."
Children can learn about rocks and minerals in Nevada and receive free rocks donated by Rockers members. Light refreshments and treats will be served.
Nevada State Museum
The Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., will be open and the Carson City Mint will be pressing USS Nevada Battleship Medallions Saturday, said Charm Phillips, museum store manager.
Museum admission will be half off at $4 for adults and free for children 17 and younger and museum members.
The Nevada Day Championship Band Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. for best overall parade band and field marching band at the Carson City High School field with the winning school being presented the Governor's Grand Champion trophy.
Governor's Mansion
The Nevada Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St., will be open for tours Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and also is the location for the Carson City Republican Women's Club breakfast, 7-9:30 a.m. that morning. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children to age 10. Proceeds benefit Carson City and Dayton high schools.
The Nevada Statehood Governor's Ball takes place Saturday at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City from
7 to 11 p.m. For more information, call Maureen Hepner at 775-530-2925.
Historical Tour
On Friday, the Historical East Side Tour begins at the Capital steps at 10 a.m. and includes the former children's home, the site of the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight as well as a visit to the former Virginia & Truckee shops. 775-883-7624.
Capital City Band
The Capital City Community Band performs Sousa marches, Broadway tunes, patriotic music and more at the free "Old-Fashioned Band Concert" at the Nevada State Railroad Museum at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
RSVP Fair
The four-day RSVP Nevada Day Fair offers carnival rides at Mills Park with day ride passes and individual ride tickets available. Hours are today from 4 p.m. to midnight and Friday - Sunday, noon to midnight. Proceeds support the area's senior citizens. For tickets, visit nevadaday.com or call 775-687-4680.
La Ka Le'l Be Pow Wow
The Carson Colony, 2900 S. Curry St., hosts the pow wow, with crafts, food and dancing, starting at 1 p.m. Friday and running through Nevada Day weekend. Call Lana Hicks at 287-9978.
Other events
Other events include a Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk, Pinewood Derby, Drilling and Beard contests, chili feed and more.
"There is so much that goes over the weekend that it's hard to see it all," McClintock said. "But it's certainly fun trying."
For a complete schedule, for more information or to purchase tickets to events online, visit nevadaday.com.
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