Kids Karnival fun for adults, too

After the drawn-out legislative session Republican Assemblyman Ron Knecht expects a strong showing from Democrats during his time in the dunk tank at today's Kid's Carnival.

"If the Democrats want to show that they have any chance next year, they'll have have to be out in force. We'll see if they're up to the challenge. I expect they'll all have to throw left handed and I'll stay high a dry."

Children may not recognize the three men taking turns in the dunk tank at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada fund-raiser 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, but their parents should: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong, Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko and Knecht.

At a cost of three throws for a dollar, folks can send any of the men into that cold tub of water -- if their aim is true.

"If you don't like a decision made by the mayor or the way the legislative session went or think you might get arrested in the next few months, this is a chance to get back at these guys," said museum director Ken Beaton. "The dunk tank should be a big money raiser for the museum."

Knecht, Masayko and Furlong have a running bet to see who can raise the most money for the museum, said Beaton.

"We're talking serious bragging rights," he said.

"It's for a good cause," said Knecht of the museum. "It's the kind of thing my daughter will like in a few years."

The Kids Karnival is an annual event offering cake walks, games and prizes. It kicks off at 10 a.m. The day is one of the top fund raisers for the museum and kind a last fling before school starts, Beaton said.

"We're looking to raise $5,000 --Ebut we hope we can to do that with the dunk tank alone," he said.

Another highlight of the day will be a Carson High School freshman Tiffany Barber's performance of the national anthem when Knecht finishes the first round in the dunk tank at noon.

"She sounds a lot like Brenda Lee in her younger days," Beaton said.

There will also be cake walks, boat races, a yo-yo contest and hula-hoop contest. The Douglas County Building Industry Association will be doing a Bob the Builder bean bag toss and giving out coloring books and contractor crayons.

The museum is located at 813 N. Carson St. in Carson City. Tickets are four for $1.

The recent cloudy weather appears to be giving way to sunshine.

"The weather is supposed to be around the mid-eighties so the rain is clearing," Beaton said.

Knecht hopes it's warm, too.

"(The dunk tank will) be a good way to cool off if it's hot, and if it's not I'll be miserable."

But it's a good cause.

"I'm willing to get cold and wet for that cause."

If You Go

What: Kids Karnival fund-raiser for the Children's Museum

When: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada at 813 N. Carson Street

Cost: Tickets are four for a $1 -- different activities cost different amounts of tickets

Call: Call 884-2226.