Contestants line up for the Steampunk fashion contest during Mark Twain Days in downtown Carson City in April 2023.
Author Mark Twain was known for his wit, adventurous spirit and literary skill that captured American culture. His time in Nevada was “fast, furious, and left a lasting impact,” according to organizers of the second annual Mark Twain Days festival, which will run in Carson City and Virginia City May 10-12.
“Mark Twain Days is a three-day whirlwind of opportunities to learn, discover, experiment, and grow in appreciation of our shared cultural traditions and heritage,” said Eric Brooks, arts and culture program manager for Visit Carson City. “This event extols both the individual and the collective community as a whole. In this case, local and regional literary innovators are brought together to examine aspects of the western experience and our place in both its history and preservation.”
Spearheaded last year by Visit Carson City, the event has changed with a new champion, the Brewery Arts Center.
“Running an ever-evolving festival is not in the purview of Visit Carson City,” said Brooks. “We look for partnership opportunities with many different organizations, including lodging properties, tourism industry partners, and nonprofits to advance cultural tourism and the arts. The intent from the beginning was to have another organization take the festival as its own with our support and sponsorship.”
Enter Spike McGuire, BAC executive director.
“Spike McGuire and his team at the BAC saw a need for activities and material that are inclusive and reflect the cultural diversity of our growing community and would act as a draw for visitors,” said Brooks. “Using Mark Twain and his achievements as an umbrella for a broader celebration of the literary arts created a foundation for immediate growth. This event is now a collaborative co-adventure among cultural organizations, city departments, private businesses, individual artists, musicians, and performers both in Carson City and Virginia City.”
Virginia City joined Carson City for this year’s festivities (Twain left his mark on both communities), and organizers expect a good turnout and positive economic impact.
“With effective marketing and promotions, we will attract visitors who in turn spend with lodging properties, restaurants, bars, venues and local businesses,” said Brooks. “Cultural events such as Mark Twain Days will help shape the region’s tourism economy with increased spending and tax revenue while increasing the inclusive experience and quality of life for residents.”
The festival will offer art, music, ghost tours, the return of the Bow Tie Ball and a train ride on the V&T Railroad connecting the two small cities, aka the “Twain Train.”
The festival also will offer dozens of literary workshops, lectures and other events.
“All arts bring people together; it's the common denominator between genres,” said Brooks. “It is the poet, novelist, storyteller who unites countries, empires, and social movements. Taking the time to listen to another’s viewpoint brings understanding of diverse perspectives, engages us in commentary, and directly connects artists with consumers.”
For event details, visit https://visitcarsoncity.com/mark-twain-days.