Nevada Day carnival opens in Mills Park

Oink, moo and cock-a-doodle-doo from Outback Jack's Roadkill Grill will be on the menu for this week's Nevada Day carnival at Mills Park.

The carnival kicks off at 4 p.m. today with rides, food and craft vendors.

Nathan Jensen, owner of Midway West Amusements from Sun City, Ariz., said the carnival will have plenty of entertainment and rides.

The carnival features an extensive midway and rides from the kid-friendly Berry-go-round and Ferris Wheel to the more spectacular Gravitron, Zipper and 70-foot Super Loop.

The carnival kicks-off at 4 p.m. in Mills park, and everything from rides, to food and craft vendors are set up and waiting for the crowds in the park.

"When everything is in the air, (people) will see it's a better carnival," Jensen said. "You'll be able to see this from downtown."

Jensen said the carnival travels around the country between 10 and 11 months each year. It's hard work, he said.

"All the work is worth it to see the kids smiling," Jensen said. "Some people come just to watch the kids smile, but the carnival is also the thrill of a riding experience, the flashing lights and the smell of cotton candy and hot dogs."

Jensen has been in the carnival business since he was a kid. His best friend's parents owned a carnival and every year, Jensen hit the road with the family. After high school, Jensen said he tried college and other things, but none of those things worked for him.

"I couldn't stop thinking about the carnival," he said. "I got it in my blood."

Jensen met his wife on the road and the couple have four children.

"This is their backyard, but when you grow up out here on the carnival it's no big deal," he said. "The kids will get real excited to come to the carnival and then that lasts for, like, two hours."

The Nevada Day carnival is not the same carnival that came to Carson City during the Fourth of July.

"Fortunately there is a difference in carnivals," Jensen said. "I want to paint that on the sides of my trucks sometimes."

The carnival will feature vendors offering everything from kettle corn and barbecue to Indian tacos and Greek gyros. Craft vendors are offering everything from jewelry to stainless steel kitchen equipment and bird feeders. The carnival is sponsored by the state Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

What: Nevada Day carnival

When: 4 p.m. until midnight, Wednesday through Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; and noon until 8 p.m., Sunday

Where: Mills Park, Highway 50

Cost: Unlimited rides today, $10; Thursday, Friday and Sunday $12. No unlimited ride tickets on Saturday.