Almost there for the big birthday

Only six weeks remain before Fallon celebrates Nevada’s sesquicentennial with the final events of the year-long birthday celebration.

So far, the Mayors NV150 Commission has guided Fallon through many successful events, and the celebration to honor Nevada’s statehood on Oct.31, 1864, is beginning to take final shape.

Coming up with ideas has been an arduous task for the dozen or so members on Mayor Ken Tedford Jr.’s committee, which has been at work for months.

First and foremost, Hometown Heroes, which attracted hundreds of people to the high school to honor past Fallon athletes in professional and collegiate sports, became an instant success. For those who met Josh Mauga, they learned what hard work means to be successful. Then, there was the rededication of the sesquicentennial stamp and a concert in the park.

Last month, the All-Class Reunion took over Oats Park as hundreds of former students, current and former teachers and friends of Churchill County High school attended various events. The All-Class Reunion was such a success that organizers are looking forward to doing the same thing in 2015.

The final celebration in Fallon occurs on Oct. 31, a day before the big Nevada Day parade stomps down Carson Street in Carson City, and the University of Nevada entertains San Diego State that night in a college football game.

Before Fallon wraps up the sesquicentennial, several requests have gone out to the community.

The Churchill County Museum Association has extended its deadline to obtain items for the time capsule, which will be encased at the southeast corner of the museum. The CCMA is looking for an abundance of unique and meaningful artifacts that will be on public display at the during October for all to view and enjoy.

Because of the 5-cubic foot capacity of the capsule, an official selection committee choose the items to be placed inside.

The Then and Now project will involve the community in thinking about how life has changed in the last 150 years. This exhibit takes on a county fair feel with awards for age groups and special achievements and is open to all Churchill County residents. As architect Frank Woodliff III said, “In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to forget how our ancestors lived and how our lives have changed. Understanding how things have changed in the last 150 years provides knowledge, incentive and excitement for what may be ahead.”

Both these projects need the community’s involvement so that this year’s celebration will be a legacy for generations after us.

LVN Editorials are written by the LVN Editorial Board and appear on Wednesdays.