Being the capital city of Nevada, Carson City once again shines brighter and bucks the rest, turning the lights on Friday to not one but two Christmas trees during the kick-off of the two-day Snowflake Festival of Lights.
Perched on the State Capital steps, some 300 voices of the Carson City 5th Grade Singing Ensemble sang Christmas carols to a crowd of hundreds (if not thousands) of parents, siblings, dignitaries, retirees, state workers and locals who swelled onto Carson Street in good measure.
The holiday songs ignited several sing-a-longs, well wishes and greeting among friends and neighbors. With an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, candy canes by the hundreds were passed around to children (and parents too.)
The holiday season is definitely in the air in Carson City as downtown merchants shined their lights, passed out illuminated balloons, refreshments and a bounty of good cheer. (How many balloons fell out of the hands of children and floated skyward is unknown, but at least a dozen lighted balloons were seen dancing above the Carson City night sky.) Meanwhile, Victorian carolers from the Battle Born Civil War Reenactors continued with traditional holiday songs adding Nevada flavor to the festivities.
There were countless turns on the ice at Arlington Square Ice Rink with Carson Nugget serving caramel apples and roasted chestnuts at the Laxalt Plaza and hot chocolate and cookies served by the Horseshoe Club. The Carson City Chamber of Commerce held its annual Chamber Christmas Party at the Rinckel Mansion, 102 North Curry Street, home of the Nevada Press Association. The chamber collected can food to benefit FISH and Advocates to End Domestic Violence.
A veritable herd of creative willow “reindeer” made by local school children, under the guidance of “Willow” Bill were placed on capitol lawn and above the portico and lit with white lights. Reindeer are placed along the Highway 395 corridor and at other downtown locations. This herd of willow "reindeer" is created each year by more than 20,000 school children in Carson City, and Douglas and Washoe counties. It is part of the largest art project in America — 50 miles of "reindeer" along Highway 395.
Festivities continue Saturday with a Santa parade along Carson Street from Musser Street to Telegraph Square starts that begins at 11:30 a.m. Following the parade, merchants from around downtown Carson City will roll out their holiday fare at Telegraph Square. Ice skating, a bounce house and winter art contest make the event a day full of old-fashioned Nevada camaraderie and cheer.
SATURDAY Events
11:30 AM: Santa Parade along Carson Street from Musser Street to Telegraph Square.
11:30 AM to 3 PM: Santa at Telegraph Square with candy canes.
Activities include: balloon clown, face painting, snowflake ornaments from the Children's Museum, hand-made candy, hot cider & a "goodie" from Pookie's Playhouse, gifts from Esperanza Foundaion, and live elves.
Santa security by the US Navy. Enjoy the music by Martina Dayton.
Winners of the annual Art Contest will be announced. at around 2 PM at Telegraph Square.
Parents, bring your camera for a life-time of memories.
The Arlington Square Ice Skating Rink (Carson and Robinson Streets) will be open for holiday skating from 10 AM to 10 PM. Take a whirl on the ice for a special price (only $4 for skate rental and skate pass). Refreshments (including hot dogs and chili dogs) by the Elks Club
Donation opportunities: Salvation Army bell ringer, FISH food barrells, USMC
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