Carson City's annual Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights has become so well received over the years that the 2012 festival will now run for two days. The enhanced event is tonight, Friday, Dec. 7, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ice skating continues until 10 p.m.
Tonight's night's festivities begin on the capitol grounds with the state tree, a bristlecone pine, and downtown Carson City being lit along with a procession including Santa, Mrs. Claus and the 300 voices of the Carson City 5th Grade Music Students Singing Ensemble.
Highlights include ice skating at the Arlington Square Ice Rink and the Carson Nugget serving caramel apples and roasted chestnuts at the Laxalt Plaza will highlight the night.
The Santa parade along Carson Street from Musser Street to Telegraph Square starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. 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.
Here is a detailed list of events:
FRIDAY EVENING 5:30 PM to 8 PM (Dec 7, 2012)
5:30 PM Carson City 5th Grade Music Students Singing Ensemble starts to sing.
Hot chocolate and coffee at the corner of Carson and Musser Streets, by the Elks Club.
5:30 PM Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a 1927 Seagrave fire engine. They will give out candy canes.
On the podium with our Mayor will be our own beauty queens, Miss Carson City, Miss Eagle Valley Outstanding Teen, Miss Eagle Valley Outstanding Teen, Miss Lake Tahoe Outstanding Teen and Miss Douglas County Outstanding Teen.
5:45 PM Tree Lighting; all of Carson Street is lit up.
5:55 PM Remarks by Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell.
6:00 PM Procession:Follow the fire engine and the Victorian carolers from the Battle Born Civil War Reenactors in a Candlelight Procession* to the City Tree at Musser & Nevada Streets (First Presbyterian Church). Carols.
6:15 PM City Tree Lighting by Mayor Crowell. More carols by the Battle Born Civil War Reenactors.
6:30 PM to 8 PM Procession: Follow Santa & Mrs. Claus from 1st Presbyterian Church, to Arlington Square (Carson & Robinson Streets). Any 5th Grade Chorus member can be in the parade if they have a hat or headgear of the season.Carson Nugget will be serving caramel apples and roasted chestnuts at the Laxalt Plaza (on the south side of the Nugget Casino).
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Chamber Christmas Party at the fabulous Rinckel Mansion, 102 North Curry Street. Bring a can of food to donate and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. A Jingle Bell bracelet for those who bring a can of two or more of food to benefit FISH and Advocates to End Domestic Violence. Mayor Bob Crowell will be on hand for the festivities, too.
SATURDAY 11:30 AM to 3 PM (Dec. 8, 2012)
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. (see below) 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
For detailed information call (775) 887-1294 or www.eventsnevada.com/treelighting.html