Carnival at Children's Museum

The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada will be transformed into a carnival Saturday, complete with midway games, face painting, cake walks and a visit by the Nevada National Guard.

Children will also have free access to the museum, said event chairwoman Penny Holbrook.

Although the museum has held carnivals for children in the past, Holbrook said this is the largest one yet and, because of sponsorship by many local businesses, she said children will be able to attend for free.

"We have plenty of things to do," she said.

Activities for children will include a bounce house, puppet shows, a dinosaur dig and plenty of opportunities to win prizes.

"It's benefiting all the children in the community," said Erin Lehman, co-chairwoman for the event.

Lehman said the carnival will offer more than just fun and games. The Sheriff's Department will offer child identification and fingerprinting for free.

Smokey the Bear and Bobby the Boat will be at the carnival to educate children about fire and water safety. And the Nevada National Guard will have vehicles and other displays for children to see.

The special guest will be Mayor Ray Masayko, who will spend the morning sitting in a dunk tank, Lehman said.

Holbrook said the carnival will give children and their parents a chance to see the children's museum.

"This is such a neat museum," she said. "It has charm and a homey feeling with lots of good exhibits. It's such a little gem here in town for kids."

Holbrook said the carnival will have plenty of things to do for children up to age 12.

The carnival will be held outside the museum, and there will be extra parking behind the museum, she said.

IF YOU GO:

What: Kids Karnival

Where: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Information: Call the museum at 884-2226