Some changes coming for Nevada Day

Longtime Nevada Day parade-goers will see some changes to the traditional setup this year.

The Beard Competition will move from the Legislative Plaza to the parking lot of the old Citibank during the celebration Oct. 31 in downtown Carson City.

“Spectators’ biggest complaints have been that they cannot see or hear the competition very well due to the large crowd,” said marketing coordinator Dana Lee Fruend. “So this year, we have a stage and sound system to better accommodate.”

This year’s chili feed at the Carson Nugget, which will begin at noon, will be hosted be Sen. Dean Heller rather than the lieutenant governor.

Despite some changes, Fruend said, the old favorites will still be found. The day will begin with the military fly-over, balloon launch and fun run before the parade starts at 10 a.m. Added to the Beard Competition and Rock Drilling Championship after the parade will be the Fam Fest on Curry Street between Spear and Musser streets.

The Fam Fest will feature music by the Tripping King Snakes — sponsored by the Westside Pour House — food and other booths. The highlight will be a multicultural village displaying culture, food, music and art from around the world as well as around the state.

Booths are being sought for the village.

“The Fam Fest is meant to bring out authors and artists, giving them the opportunity to display their work,” Fruend said. “We want to put the call out to all of them.”

As part of Fam Fest, Double Shot will perform in the Citibank parking lot as well.

While still more than a month away, Fruend said, the committee is hard at work on the 77th parade to celebrate the state’s inception into the Union on Oct. 31, 1864.

“It’s on,” Fruend said. “The Nevada Day Committee works throughout the year to get things ready.”

She said it gets serious each year when Bernie Allen, parade director, brings out the white board to detail the parade lineup.

“We know it’s on when Bernie’s parade board comes out,” she said. “It’s like the situation room down here at headquarters. It’s in full force now. We’re all pretty excited.”

This year’s theme — One State, Many Cultures — will feature Sherry Rupert, executive director of the Nevada Indian Commission, and actor Jack Waggon as parade marshals.

Volunteers are being sought to monitor the parade, take tickets, sell merchandise, clean up and perform a variety of other tasks.

“We will reward them with food and a T-shirt,” Fruend said. “This does not happen without the help of the community.”

To volunteer, reserve a booth for the multicultural village or to sign up for a float, call Dana or Janet at (775) 882-2600 or stop by the Nevada Day office, 108 W. Telegraph St. (Use the side door).