A horse group from the Lahontan Valley participates in the 2023 parade.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
It’s a red, white and blue weekend beginning with the annual Fourth of July parade and block party set to move “Fallon Forward” beginning Thursday at 10 a.m.
Fallon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lucy Carnahan said this year’s theme centers on the empowerment of youth volunteers, encouraging them to take the lead and help out in their community. She said parade grand marshals consist of a group of high school and middle school student council officers from the Churchill County School District and Oasis Academy.
Parade watchers are anticipated to line the streets along the city’s traditional parade route to watch about 100 entries. The route starts on Taylor Street at the Churchill County Middle School and continuing north to A Street, east on Ada Street to the American Legion, south to Williams Avenue, east to Maine Street and then returning to the middle school.
The block party on Maine Street will begin after the parade and continue until 2 p.m. with a variety of games and family activities. Carnahan said about 20 vendors are expected to attend including Retro Brew coffee, The Tipsy Tumbleweed mobile bar, Pick’n and Grin’n produce and One Bite at a Time bakery. Fallon/Churchill Fire Department will set up fire truck sprinklers and the annual bed races will start at the fountain at 1 p.m.
“Independence Day is an important celebration for our country as we get to highlight America’s birthday,” said Mayor Ken Tedford. “We encourage all to come out and participate in our city’s festivities and watch the fireworks under the night sky.”
The National Weather Service is also cautioning people highs during the Fourth of July weekend will range from the high 90s to mid-100s. No precipitation is expected.
AUTO RACING
Continuing with Fallon’s traditional honoring of Independence Day, Rattlesnake Raceway offers a full slate of racing. Gates open at 2 p.m. with the first races leaving the starting line at 5 p.m.
Besides the regular categories of race cars, the raceway will be abuzz with dwarf and spring cars and trailer and figure races
According to Rattlesnake Raceway, the Fourth of July racing is a non-points race, but Friday’s racing on the oval track is a normal show beginning at 7 p.m. Besides the regular classes of race cars competing, the evening will also include sprint cars.
FIREWORKS
Near sundown, a display of fireworks near the raceway will light up the July sky.
Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox offers advice on his Facebook page to residents regarding fireworks. He said visitors or residents should keep themselves or other safe if they’re reactive to lights or sounds. Hickox said precautions should also be taken for pets.
“Nevada state law gives authority to the county commissioners to set the regulations regarding fireworks within their county,” Hickox said. “Remember if you violate the law and set off fireworks and cause damage to property you can face criminal charges beyond the misdemeanor mentioned below. If you are tempted to violate the law and set off a few in celebration, please remember that you are risking setting a fire and risking injury to yourself and bystanders.”
CLOSURES
All federal, state and local government offices will be closed on the Fourth of July. Naval Air Station Fallon is on its holiday schedule. Financial institutions will be closed, but patrons should check for Friday hours. City garbage pickup for Thursday will be on Friday.