Silver and Snowflakes lights up Carson City

The 29th annual Silver & Snowflakes was held Friday night at the Capitol Grounds to officially ring in the holiday season for Carson City.

Thousands of residents gathered on the Capitol steps with family and friends to watch the town Christmas tree light up.

“This event is what makes Carson City special, it gives it that hometown feel,” said Chamber of Commerce executive director Ronni Hannaman. “You can’t do this in big cities and as the chamber we are delighted to coordinate this and continue to add new elements every year.”

This year, in addition to the tree lighting ceremony, the Chamber also added two horse and carriage rides as well as a holiday market at the McFadden Plaza.

“We are so delighted to have McFadden be a part of it to allow us to continue or event later and utilize the stage and everything it provides to us,” Hannaman said.

Both Santa and the Grinch made an appearance on the steps as nearly 400 students with Carson City School District sang classic Christmas carols such as Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Feliz Navidad and Santa Claus is Coming to Town to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Once darkness descended, Mayor Bob Crowell presented the display and the giant tree lit up the night sky.

“It’s nights like this that make us realize how lucky we are to live in Carson City,” Crowell said. “Tonight is the start of the Christmas season to celebrate with friends and family and faith … on behalf of the community of Carson City thank you for coming out and sharing the pride in our community.”

Hundreds of light bulbs on the tree, along the street and on the Capitol shimmered, washing the city in a glow.

Though the weather was getting chilly, it didn’t stop anyone from having fun and enjoying the event.

For many residents, the tree lighting is a long-standing tradition to celebrate with friends and family.

“(I come because) it’s tradition, this is my seventh or eighth time coming,” said Krisha Scannapieco. “I love Carson City and it’s fun. It’s a nice kick off to the holiday season.”

And after the tree lighting, residents gathered in City Hall for the fifth annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. The event is hosted by FISH and Empty Bowls, where community members can buy handcrafted bowls and enjoy a warm meal out of them.

The bowls are made by various groups around Carson City for the event to remind everyone that there are still empty bowls in the community. Nine-year-old Sydney Espinoza made them with her Girl Scout troop before.

“I like it because I like seeing the bowls,” Espinoza said.