The carnival at Mills Park was quiet Saturday after Friday's fireworks, crowds and traffic. A steady trickle of visitors milled through the rides and vendors throughout the day.
One of the favorite rides was the Tornado with its 1,141 flashing lights.
"It was a favorite last night," said operator Kevin Granville of Las Vegas. "The line went down past the Kamikaze."
The Tornado has eight cars which swing out as the ride spins 10 rotations per minute. Riders, each held in by a locking lap bar, control the spin of their own car.
The entire ride lifts 7 1/2 feet and tilts up 20 degrees. After 45 seconds, the ride lowers and an inverter drive brings the ride to a stop.
One car load of teenage boys spun their car at maximum speed for the entire ride. They piled off giggling.
"I feel messed up," said Chris Espinoza, 17. Wearing a purple San Francisco 49ers jersey, he wobbled a bit before jogging back to ride the Tornado again.
"I think I feel whiplash coming on," said fellow rider J.J. Treiling, 13.
You have to be at least 38 inches tall to ride the Tornado.
Also available at the carnival, which continues today, is lemon juice squeezed fresh from a Sunkist Juice Extractor. Head over to the 8-foot long lemon with a green base to buy a 16-ounce cup for $2.
In the vendor tents, Jack Thomas offered his stained glass artwork for sale, including an intricately detailed kaleidoscope complete with stand. Thomas recently moved his shop into 315 North Carson St. -- formerly Nevada Jewelry and Loan -- next to Java Joe's. In the store he sells his own art work and has a gallery with paintings and pottery from other artists. Call the store for more details at 849-9631.
The carnival at Mills Park is a fund-raiser for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. It will run from about noon to 8 p.m. today.
If You Go
What: RSVP Carnival
Where: Mills Park on Highway 50 East
When: From noon until 8 p.m.
Call: 687-4680
