With the centennial Carson Valley Days celebration now one for the history books, the event's organizers can breathe easy and relax a little ... or so one would think.
It's true that members of the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club no longer have that landmark celebration hanging over their heads, but they still have plenty to do.
On July 30, the club is hosting a past active and recruitment night 6-8 p.m. at the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, and they're looking for a few good men to join them.
"We had all these people at Carson Valley Days asking what the deal was with the red vests," said club member Dylan Zigenis. "We had about 6-10 guys say they want to get involved. We're trying to put the word out and open up our doors a little more."
The red corduroy vests are familiar symbols for the nearly 80-year-old chapter which has been organizing Carson Valley Days for decades.
Club Vice President Tommy Lovell said they're now looking for recruits in their 20s and 30s who are dependable and want to be part of the effort. The club currently has 14 members and meets weekly in the old jail in downtown Gardnerville.
"We're trying to capitalize on Carson Valley Days because it's still on everyone's mind," Lovell said.
"We want them to come to a few meetings and get to know us, and give us the chance to get to know them," Zigenis added. "The board votes on new members."
Money raised by the Valley's biggest party will help fund the Sierra Nevada Active 20-30's back-to-school shopping spree in August. Designed to help children in need with school supplies and clothing, the women's club benefits not only from the men's club's funding, but also from a few of their members pitching in during the early-morning event.
Last year, the men's club donated about $3,000, or half the cost of the program. This year, they expect a similar donation for more than 70 kids.
"We do so many positive and good things," Zigenis said. "And we're geared toward those under 40, which is unique."
During the holidays, club members also work in conjunction with other local organizations and agencies to provide secret Santa gifts. Zigenis said when all is said and done, the club gives away about $25,000 each year to charitable causes.
"Certain events resonate for each member," he said. "The special needs carnival (preceding Carson Valley Days) is the best night as far as I'm concerned."
"We try to give away the vast majority of what we raise," Lovell added, "about 80 percent."
Other beneficiaries include Pop Warner Football, Carson Valley Little League, Junior Rodeo, Douglas High Speech and Debate, and Meneley Elementary School, which is getting a new playground for kindergarten and special needs children thanks to a $10,000 donation.
Revenue comes from the Carson Valley Days carnival, vendor fees and beer sales. What the club doesn't spend on charity goes to maintaining the jail where they meet, primarily in the form of utility fees, and paying the county, parks department and sheriff's office for the many events.
As for the centennial celebration, which saw fireworks and a barbecue for the first time in years, club members knew how important it was to residents of the Valley.
"It was really humbling," Lovell said.
"It's considered Carson Valley's birthday, so we have to do a damn good job," Zigenis said.
For more information, call Lovell at (775) 313-6913.
