Fall events include Haunted Weekend

Looking out the window at the turning leaves, fall is here. The question is, as always, how long with it last? Sadly, our fall season is always a short one. So, you'd better get out there and get that October photo taken for the contest. If your photo choice is fall colors, they won't be around too much longer.

Fall colors aren't the only things that remind us of October in Douglas County. There are pumpkins and mazes and scarecrows. Take your pick and take that great photo. Send it via e-mail or bring it to the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville by 4 p.m. Oct. 31. We'll announce our winner Nov. 6.

Haunted Weekend starts next Thursday, Oct. 22. Have you gotten your tickets yet? Tickets are on sale at the Gardnerville museum. Call 782-2555 to charge tickets by credit card. Tickets are limited and usually sell out early, so don't miss out.

New this year is the Haunted Minden Ghost Walk on Oct. 22. Tours depart from the CVIC Hall on Esmeralda Street at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk on Friday Oct. 23, departs from the Gardnerville museum at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m.

The Haunted Genoa Cemetery Tour on Oct. 24, departs every 15 minutes at the Genoa Cemetery from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. As you stroll through the cemetery you will meet several pioneers from Nevada's past. Guided tours for the Haunted Genoa Ghost Walk depart the Genoa Courthouse Museum at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25.

There is a tour for every interest. However, if you are taking any of the three evening walks, please dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. October evenings can be really cold and walking in uncomfortable shoes only makes things worse. So bundle up, come out and enjoy.

Our next event is our annual Holiday Gala at the Gardnerville museum with the cookie walk, the 13th annual Gallery of Trees and gingerbread house contest. Santa and his sleigh will be on the front porch for photos with the kids.

The gingerbread house decorating contest is open to individuals, families, organizations and clubs. Your exhibit can be any type of structure you choose. All entries must be brought to the Gardnerville museum 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. An exhibit runs Dec. 5-19 with winners announced at the artist's reception Dec. 19. Call Dennis Little at 267-5634 or 782-2555 for information and applications.

Entry applications for the annual Festival of Trees available soon. Information at 782-2555 and in future columns.

For any questions, contact the Douglas County Historical Society at www.historicnevada.org or at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Remember, DCHS and its two museums in Gardnerville and Genoa don't receive any regular state or county funding. It's up to our members and friends to help keep our doors open.

Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or 790-1565.