Traditional route for Nevada Day Parade in Carson City

The annual Nevada Day parade, which celebrates the state’s admission to the Union in 1864, will run its traditional route north to south along Carson Street this year.

“People are used to seeing it start at William Street and ending up at Stewart Street,” said Ken Hamilton, executive director of Nevada Day Inc. “A lot of people watch the parade from the same spot every year, and we didn’t want them to have to change. We decided to stick with tradition.”

He said the committee had considered reversing the route as a way to alleviate the burden on residential neighborhoods and businesses in the areas where streets are closed for the parade and staging.

“We realized the impact would be the same, just on the other side of town,” Hamilton said.

The committee is going to look at ways to make businesses and homes more accessible despite the closures.

“We’re going to look at the logistics, see if we can move some of the staging onto Highway 395, but we’ll still have to use those side streets,” Hamilton said. “We’re going to try to work with the businesses more than we have in the past.”

The committee will be working with the Carson City Visitors Bureau to do marketing for Nevada Day.

“I think it’s a perfect fit,” Hamilton said. “The Carson City Visitors Bureau has always been supportive of Nevada Day and all community events. I’m looking forward to this alliance.”

Joel Dunn, executive director of the visitors bureau, said he’s pleased with the partnership as well.

“The Nevada Day celebration is a hallmark not only for Carson City, but for the entire state,” Dunn said. “We are happy to help the committee get the word out about the great work they’re doing.”

This year’s theme is, “Then and Now,” highlighting the history of the celebration. Longtime parade volunteer Bernie Allen will serve as grand marshal.

Nevada Day Inc President Janet Baker said the downtown renovation will better serve the festivities.

“We’re going to have bigger sidewalks so more people can fit to watch the parade,” she said. “It’s going to be a great one. I think it gets better and better every year.”

Baker said the committee is looking for sponsors and volunteers to work during the parade but also in the office and Nevada Day Store and Trading Post, 108 W. Telegraph St.

Hamilton said it’s worth preserving the traditions of Nevada Day and improving the parade.

“I think it’s probably one of the most important events Nevada has as far as keeping history and the multicultural aspects of the state alive,” he said. “I think it’s very important for the community to get together at least once a year and celebrate who we are.”