Cain Wills, 14, plays a game at the RSVP carnival on Monday.
Thousands gathered in Mills Park on Monday to celebrate Independence Day.
Women, children and men, clad in red, white and blue milled around the park enjoying the carnival rides, food and local vendors.
“It is a nice community get together,” said Carson City resident Kaycee Augustine. “I grew up here — born and raised; and now I am bringing my daughter to enjoy it.”
The carnival has been running for 24 years, hosted by the Carson City RSVP to raise money for their organization. The carnival is held for all ages, with something for everyone, from being hoisted in the air on the Ferris Wheel to enjoying local music by Jake Armer and the Hot Dogs. This year, the celebration even had a skate expo by The Wheelhouse skate shop and an exhibition from CareFlight.
The event also featured a dozens of local craft and food vendors, from Hawaiian barbecue to face painting.
“I like looking at the craft booths, it is nice,” Augustine said. “I look forward to this tradition every year. It is nice because you always get to run into friends and it is a nice family event.”
For many Carson families, coming to the Fourth of July celebration is a tradition.
“We love it, we come every year because it is a tradition to come out,” said Kristal Boniface.
Boniface brought her five-year-old son Andrew to the carnival to enjoy the rides.
“I like (the funhouse) because I can go in the circle,” Andrew said.
Boniface said that they really enjoyed the carnival this year, because there were more attractions for smaller children to go on.
“It seems like they have a lot more rides for little kids this year,” Boniface said. “Last year we were really just doing the same few rides, but this year Andrew has been able to go on quite a few.”
For many of the kids, the rides are the best part, with classic carnival attractions like roller coasters, the swings and a carousel.
“I like to come out because of the rides,” said Mariah Cook, 13. “I like all of them, they are cool.”
Capping the holiday weekend was RSVP’s annual firework show, accompanied by music from 102.9 FM.
“Of course we are staying for the fireworks,” said Boniface, earlier in the day.
RSVP is an organization of volunteers who help senior citizens maintain their independence and lend a helping hand to provide care for seniors in the community. For more information on RSVP or its services to seniors, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit the website at www.nevadaruralrsvp.org or contact Susan Haas at 775-684-4680.