Congratulations to the Nevada Day Board for a spectacular, smoothly run three-day holiday that should lay to rest concerns that the celebration's spirit may be lost by moving off the traditional Oct. 31 day.
Yes, we were among those who grumbled initially that creating a three-day holiday was more motivated by commercial interests than Nevada pride. But watching the enthusiasm among the crowds Friday through Sunday - despite some iffy weather - we were won over.
There was so much to do, even the most gung-ho birthday partiers would have had a hard time making an appearance at every event - despite the fact they were spread over three days.
Actually, if you started with the Carson City Symphony's well-received concert and premier of "A Land of Sage and Sun," then followed it through to the handcar races at the State Railroad Museum, there was nearly a week's worth of events.
The highlights were many, and here are a few:
- At Mills Park, carnival-goers like everyone else kept an eye on the sky. It may have been breezy and damp, but not too many people seemed to mind.
- Ian Tyson and his band packed the Brewery Arts Center on Friday night. The cowboys and cowgirls turned out in force.
- Saturday's parade moved along briskly, perhaps so some of the scantier-clad participants could keep warm. Clocking in at three hours, it was much more enjoyable than some of the seemingly interminable parades of the past.
- Crowds seemed large everywhere we went. With the threat of snow in the Sierra Nevada, perhaps some Californians decided against making the trip. For those who did venture to Carson City, the weather was just what we should expect for the last weekend in October - some sun, some clouds, some showers and some wind.
- The fireworks show downtown was a tremendous conclusion to Saturday's events.
All in all, it was a successful Nevada Day weekend. Oh, by the way, have a happy traditional Nevada Day today, too.
