With Nevada Day festivities rolling this week without the coveted official parade along Carson Street, some have noted on social media their intention to rally their own independent parades.
While not illegal or encouraged, the Carson City Sheriff's Office is staffed up to make sure that whoever chooses to do anything non-sanctioned, including independent parading on Carson Street, that whatever they choose to do is done without breaking the law.
"Different groups have reached out and said they are doing this and that and the other thing," said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong. "We have sufficient staffing to keep an eye on these, even though they're not a citywide sponsored parade."
Regardless of who choses to do their own thing or not, the sheriff doesn't anticipate any trouble or anything illegal Saturday.
"Nevada Day will be just as festive as ever even without the parade," said Furlong.
Nevada Day, Inc. Executive Director Ken Hamilton encourages locals and those visiting to take in the "Reverse Parade" at Western Nevada College on Saturday among the many sanctioned events, noting that Nevadans are known for their good-hearted, celebratory nature, especially when it comes to statehood pride.
"I'd like to see everyone celebrate responsibly as we say happy 156th birthday to our state and recognizing historic moments in Nevada. This year is truly one of them," said Hamilton.
Known as the largest statehood celebration of its kind in the U.S., each October Nevadans turn their attention to the state capitol, Carson City, home of the “official” Nevada Day Parade.
Since 1938, the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City has been an annual coming together to celebrate Nevada’s heritage and the founding on October 31, 1864.
COVID-19 has changed the look of the 2020 Nevada Day celebration but that doesn’t mean the weekend won’t go without smaller, safe events spread throughout the capital city the entire weekend, including the "Reverse Parade" from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Western Nevada College's parking lot. Wearing masks and social distancing is encouraged for all events.
Music, parade entries and more will be featured during this drive-thru event. And while it's not like the traditional Nevada Day Parade down Carson Street, organizers promise it will be a lively, fun-filled family event.
The same WNC parking lot will also be the site of the Made in Nevada Film Festival drive-in movies on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31. Movie buffs can take a step back in history and not only cherish several films made in the Silver State, but view them in classic fashion.
Meanwhile, Nevada Day events will go on, including those well-established favorites such as the balloon launch, beard and rock drilling contests, and chili feed at the Carson Nugget. Also this year, are tours of the Stewart Indian School Museum, a chalk art contest hosted by the Carson City Lion's Club, haunted railbike tours along the V&T Railway, walking tour of the old NSPPS Prison, an arts fair at Carson Mall, and, plenty of food and beverage deals across Carson City's many bars and restaurant establishments. See NevadaDay.com and VisitCarsonCity.com here for the full lineup.
Official Nevada Day merchandise is available for those wanting to gear up for statehood Day at the Nevada Day Store, open daily, from 10 to 3 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is located at 716 North Carson Street, near the Nevada State Museum. The store will be closed Saturday.