Last week, we looked at the history of that grandest of state traditions, Nevada Day. This week, let’s see what’s in store for Nevada Day 2020. (Yes, I know most of the festivities don’t take place until the end of the month, but come on, it’s NEVADA DAY! You don’t want to put off your planning for it until the last minute.) Plus, as noted last week, some of the celebration does actually take place this coming weekend. The Nevada Day Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, October 24, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start as well as a four-person scramble and a poker run. (Alright, I admit it, I have absolutely no idea what all of those things mean in this context. I don’t make the news, I just deliver it, right?) There’s also going to be a raffle, with the grand prize being a Nevada Day balloon ride for two. Tournament fee is $100 per person. Photo at left: Wikimedia Commons, Noah Loverbear.
As for Nevada Day weekend, the big draw has always been the parade. For health and safety considerations, this year’s parade won’t be able to take place, but the Nevada Day organizers have set up the next best thing – a REVERSE parade in the parking lot of Western Nevada College. You’ll be able to drive by and enjoy the spectacle. It takes place on Saturday, October 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. And while you’re in the drive-by mood, take in the entries to the Carson City Host Lions Chalk Art contest. Households participate by creating chalk art on their driveways and sidewalks on the theme of My Favorite Moment in Nevada, and you participate by taking a driving tour to enjoy the masterpieces. Photo at right: Facebook, Western Nevada College.
In fact, Saturday is going to be jam-packed with Nevada Day-related contests and activities. At 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Carson Mall, it’s the 46th annual World Championship Single Jack Drilling competition: hammers and bits and 10 minutes to drill a hole as deep as possible into the granite, it’s hard to imagine an event with more of a Silver-State feel than this one. And for an extra dose of that old-timey atmosphere, check out the Beard Contest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. not too far away at Red’s Old 395. There’s no entry fee and categories include Best Overall, Longest, Fullest, Reddest, Best Groomed, Scruffiest and Most Bearded Community. New to the competition this year is also Best Mustache. (I wonder if any of the single-jack drillers will also be sporting big beards?) Photo at left: Wikimedia Commons, David Prasad.
Also starting at 10 a.m. are tours and demonstrations at the Stewart Indian School. Great Basin Native artists and former students at the school will be demonstrating beading, basket weaving and more, and there will be fundraising for the museum. Tours are also being offered at the Nevada State Prison, and there will be spooky railbike rides out at the V&T Eastgate Depot. Photo at right: Wikimedia Commons, Barb Mathers.
And that’s not all. If the weather cooperates, Saturday’s plans include an 8 a.m. balloon launch that you can watch from downtown Carson City. And on both Friday and Saturday evenings, check out the Drive-in Nevada Film Festival in the WNC parking lot with a selection of films for the silver screen that have connections with the Silver State.
And if you just can’t wait for the big holiday to come around, you can always get in the mood at the Nevada Day Store, located inside the Carson City Visitors Bureau. Check it all out online at the Nevada Day website for the most up-to-date information about the schedule, and because this year more than any other, itineraries can experience last-minute changes.
About the Author Keith Rugg
R. Keith Rugg has worked on staff for a number of local publications, including Lake Tahoe Action Magazine, the Tahoe Daily Tribune and the Reno Gazette-Journal.
