Carson City to become aglow Friday

Following a weekend of torrential rains, the weather is expected to be clear for Friday night’s annual tree lighting ceremony.“We’re very happy,” said organizer Maxine Nietz. “The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate. Although I’ve done it in heavy rains and snow. When it comes to the big guy from the North Pole, you’ve just got to go with it.”The Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights has expanded to a two-day celebration, begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday on the Capitol grounds where the state trees will be lit.Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a 1927 antique Seagrave fire engine, to the singing of 300 voices from the Carson City Fifth-Grade Music Students Singing Ensemble.“Families love it,” Nietz said. “It’s a great, great evening.”When the governor lights the tree, lights will go on all down Carson Street, including a veritable herd of willow reindeer.“Everywhere you look there will be willow reindeer made by local school children and Willow Bill,” she said.Following remarks from Mayor Bob Crowell, guests will join a procession to the city tree at Musser and Nevada streets at 6 p.m., where Crowell will light that tree. Attendees are asked to bring a flashlight for the procession.The procession will then continue to the Arlington Skate Rink, where rentals and passes will be available for $4. The Carson Nugget will be serving caramel apples and roasted chestnuts at the Laxalt Plaza.The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Chamber Christmas Party at the Rinckel Mansion, 102 N. Curry St. Bring a can of food to donate and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. A Jingle Bell bracelet will be given to those who bring a can of two or more of food to benefit FISH and Advocates to End Domestic Violence.The festivities continue Saturday with a parade at 11:30 a.m. along Carson Street from Musser to Telegraph Square, where Santa will be waiting.Activities include face painting, snowflake ornaments from the Children's Museum, hand-made candy, hot cider and live elves.Winners of the annual art contest will be announced at 2 p.m. at Telegraph Square.Local shops downtown also will be open.If you goWHAT: Silver & Snowflakes Festival of LightsWHEN: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. SaturdayWHERE: Capitol Grounds on Friday, Telegraph Square on SaturdayThe following street closures will be in effect Friday evening for the festival:Carson Street, from Robinson to Fifth streets, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Musser Street, from Carson to Nevada streets, 5:30-7 p.m.Nevada Street, from Musser to King streets, 5:30-7 p.m.For more information, go to eventsnevada.com/treelighting