About the same time that Nevada became a state on Oct. 31, 1864, American carnivals were coming into their own as the newest and most exciting entertainment around using horse-powered "ups and downs" (four-seated Ferris wheel-type rides), merry-go-rounds, plus sideshows and games of chance.
Since that time, both Nevada and carnivals have grown proportionately, so it's fitting they share the spotlight together for this week's Nevada Day birthday celebration.
The RSVP Nevada Day Fair starts today and runs through Sunday at Mills Park in Carson City.
This will be the 26th year that RSVP has joined in the Nevada Day festivities, and they will be bringing the Wold Amusements Carnival with their newest rides for all four days. This year's rides include the Starship, Kamikaze, Orbiter, Tidal Wave, Tornado and Graveyard. There will also be plenty of kiddie rides for the little ones.
The carnival opens at 4 p.m. today and at 1 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
All-day ride passes are $20, but Super Carnival Discount Coupons for $5 off are available at www.nevadaruralrsvp.org by clicking on RSVP Fairs, and scrolling down to download the coupon. Coupons were also published in the Nevada Appeal on Wednesday.
Along with the carnival, there will be a variety of arts, crafts, novelties and gift vendors with discounted prices for early Christmas shopping. Included are handmade custom jewelry, scented candles, outdoor grilling novelties, women's hats and clothing, packaged pastas and cooking ingredients. Food items will include Alaskan halibut and reindeer meats, plus pizzas, Mexican fare and more.
Be sure to check out the kids' face-painting booth where they also feature girls halos and headbands. Carson City psychic Bridgette Williams will be in a special booth at the park this year, too. She does tarot card readings, dream analysis, spiritual healing, meditation and palm readings.
Admission to Mills Park is free. All proceeds help fund RSVP's Home Companion, Respite Care, Transportation and Lifeline programs, which assist the region's low-income and homebound seniors to remain independent and in their own homes.
For more information, call Mike Hughes at RSVP at 775-687-4680, Ext. 4, or send an email to branded@rsvp.carson-city.nv.us.