Fallon residents honor Nevada, celebrate Halloween

A three-day weekend honoring Nevada’s statehood capped by Halloween on Monday can’t get any better for thousands of Silver State residents, especially for children who don their costumes to trick or treat.

Fallon, like many other Nevada communities, recognizes trick or treat on the actual Nevada Day, Monday, when in 1864, Congress approved the state’s admittance into the Union during the Civil War.

Needless to say, adults have been known to party on Saturday, while the children have been left holding the candy bags two days later.

The Silver State celebrates its 142nd birthday this weekend (actually Monday, and Carson City is rolling out the red carpet on Saturday with many activities. The annual parade on Carson Street kicks off at 10 a.m. (See page 21 for related stories.)

Meanwhile on Monday, Fallon’s eighth annual Historic Maine Street Spooktacular runs from 4-6 p.m. More than 400 children of all ages participated in last year’s activities that are sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association. This year’s event features trick or treat at The Homestead from 3-4 p.m.; a Halloween Portrait Open House at Picture This!; The Greenwave Quarterback Club selling hot dogs and other treats; a pet costume contest from 4-6 p.m. in the parking lot between Heck’s Meats and His Inspirations. Additionally. Spooktacular has many more activities, and businesses on Maine Street will be handing out candy or other surprises.

Mayor Ken Tedford said historically, Fallon had trick or treating on the day before the Nevada Day parade; however, when the Nevada State Legislature changed Nevada Day activities to a three-day holiday in the 1990s, Fallon tried to keep trick or treating on admission day.

“The Downtown Merchants provides a safe venue for kids and parents,” Tedford previously said.

A Trunk or Treat event at the Churchill County pool on Sheckler Road is Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free treats, contests and prizes will be awaiting the children who attend. Prizes will be given for prettiest, funniest, scariest and best boys and girls costumes.

The Parks and Recreation Haunted House at the fairgrounds is open Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Cost for the haunted house is $4 or $3 with a can of food, and the hayride is $2.

On Monday, trick or treating in the city is from 6-8 p.m. Highland Manor and Assisted Living at 550 N. Sherman St.. will also have a Halloween & Trick or Treat Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

All state, county and city offices and schools are closed today. Early voting is open today from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Federal offices, which recognized Columbus Day, are open as is Naval Air Station Fallon. Most financial institutions are open.