Two days and counting

For some the year 2015 flew by; for others, they can’t wait to see the final hours before we ring in a new year.

Whatever the scenario, Churchill County residents have less than 24 hours before they ring out the old with the new preceded by festivities at the Churchill County Fairgrounds.

The annual city of Fallon/Churchill County fireworks and bonfire begin at 6:05 p.m. Thursday at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention Tourism Authority.

Gray said seating in the grandstands will be available, but for those individuals wanting to stay toasty, they can see the fireworks from their vehicles while listening to patriotic music on KKTU Radio (FM 99.5).

With the fireworks and music winding down, county workers will torch a tall pile of wood for the big bonfire consisting of recycled Christmas trees — which the city is also collecting on North Maine Street and will transfer to the fairgrounds — pallets and other material.

Danny Gleich said both the city and county don’t want the bonfire to be a disappointment so the Churchill County Parks and Recreation insists that no household garbage or material that may emit a toxic-like odor be dropped off.

Gleich said pizza, hot chocolate and coffee will be for sale.

For those who bring their Live Local Fallon passport books, Gray said the city will stamp the “Wildcard” block, which is a substitute for another category.

For those brave enough to stand outside experiencing the cold, crisp weather, the National Weather Service said temperatures may be in the mid-to-high 20s when the sun goes down. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the single digits with no wind predicted.

Gleich said the temperatures will be also be invigorating for the New Year’s Eve run that begins at 10 a.m. on Friday. A registration table will be set up at 9 a.m. for racers registering for the first time or others checking in. Afterward, Gleich said an awards breakfast at the Elks Lodge will be held.

The start and finish lines are next to City Hall. Currently, Gleich said he has about 70 registered for the run, but usually, he said between 100-140 runners and walkers shake out the cobwebs to participate in the annual fun run and walk.

Government agencies and financial institutions will be closed on New Year’s Day. Many of them are also planning to close early on Thursday.

Federal, state, city and county offices are closed on Friday but will be open on Monday. Naval Air Station Fallon will be on its holiday schedule. The city of Fallon will have garbage pick up on Friday.

Churchill County School District and Oasis Academy classes are on their Christmas break, but CCSD students return on Wednesday because of teacher training.

Western Nevada College is closed Friday, but students don’t return to classes until later in the month.

Financial institutions are closed Friday.

The Maine Street and Pony Express post offices will be closed Friday but the Maine Street facility is open Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular mail delivery is on Saturday.

The Lahontan Valley News closes Thursday at 3 p.m. but will reopen on Monday.