A busy Independence Day weekend coming

Carson City with join with others throughout the state in celebrating the nation’s independence and Nevada’s sesquicentennial on the Fourth of July.

Two official NV150 events are scheduled this weekend in the area.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum’s 150 Years of Transportation event will be Friday through Sunday. The showcase will feature several historical trains, steam locomotives V&T No. 25 and the famous Inyo will operate along with the self-propelled McKeen motor car for the weekend. There will be family activities, photo opportunities, along with food and other Nevada memorabilia.

The Genoa Americana Celebration at Mormon State Park in Genoa will go all day with a variety of family activities including: a children’s parade, games, workshops, instrument petting zoo, traditional American music bands, and the Carson City Symphony playing patriotic music and “Home means Nevada.”

Food will be provided by the local Fire Department and businesses. For additional information, visit genoaamericana.com or call 775-783-3517 or 775-315-7777.

The weather is expected to be warm and sunny, according to the National Weather Service, with the high forecast around 89 degrees.

Surface water temperatures at Lake Tahoe’s outlet were about 58 degrees Tuesday morning — low enough, or warm enough, to draw crowds out into the clear water throughout the day.

The following events are also scheduled on the Fourth of July:

The 22nd annual RSVP carnival with food, rides and games for all ages will be Thursday through Sunday in Mills Park. Thursday is Family Night, when all rides cost $1 from 5 to 10 p.m. Wristbands will not be sold, but tickets are available at Carson City Toyota-Scion. The carnival continues from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. All-day wristbands cost $30; $5 discount coupons are available at www.nevadaruralrsvp.org or at RSVP, 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 6. Fireworks by Grucci start at dusk Friday; live radio remote with Magic 95.5 will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Live music will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday; from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Call Tannis Causey at 775-220-4065.

Virginia City’s schedule of events is as follows: A parade will start at noon at the Fourth Ward School; Shootout on the Hill will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fourth Ward School; Comstock Cowboys Second Amendment Concert will be at 6 p.m. in the Delta parking lot next to the Bucket of Blood Saloon; a raffle will be at 7 p.m., followed by a continuation of the concert at 7:45 p.m.; fireworks at Miner’s Park at Carson and F streets will start after dark.

Genoa’s schedule of events in Mormon Station State Park is as follows: A children’s parade will be at 10 a.m.; Wild Horse Drive will perform at 11 a.m.; The Gabardine Sisters will perform at noon; Steve Hayes will perform traditional jazz at 1 p.m.; 6 Mule Pileup will perform at 2 p.m.; The Kepple Band will perform at 3 p.m.; Carson City Symphony will perform from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There will be a bar tent, petting zoo and barbecue dinners for $12 each. Children’s games will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. Open jam session will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A hosted old-time jam will be from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Town of Gardnerville and Main Street Gardnerville will host their second annual Gardnerville Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Yankee Doodle Chalk Artfest from 7 a.m. to noon Friday in Heritage Park in Minden. Registration costs $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Family rates are available. Registration is free for veterans and active military personnel, but forms must be completed. Carson Valley Lions Club will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Call 775-782-8027.

The Yankee Doodle Chalk Artfest, hosted by the Carson Valley Arts Council & East Fork Gallery, will be in Heritage Park. Families with children under 12 can visit the Family Chalk Doodle Fun Zone from 8 a.m. to noon. This activity is free, and registration is not required. Call 775-782-8027.

Town of Minden will hold its annual children’s bike parade at 10 a.m. Friday. There will be music by Bill McClain, bounce houses and water games, balloon animals, free hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, frozen treats and more.

Fernley’s schedule for the “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave” celebration, also an official NV150 event, is as follows: A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. at 40 West St. The cost, which benefits area high school scholarships, is $7 per person or $25 per family. A parade down Main Street starting at Locust Street and ending at Seventh Street will be at 10 a.m. Free children’s games will be available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A flag raising ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Parade trophies will be awarded at 2 p.m. A greased pig contest will be at 3 p.m. A raffle starts at 4 p.m., and drawings will be every 15 minutes until prizes are gone. The grand prize drawing will be at 6:30 p.m. A watermelon eating contest will be at 5 p.m., followed by live music at 6 p.m. Fireworks will start at dusk.