The Carson River Resort
Courtesy
This weekend, the Carson River Resorts in Alpine County will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
It’s been a long time coming both in actuality and as the Resort enters its 102nd year of operation after the pandemic and the Tamarack fire kept celebrations from happening in the previous two years.
“Luckily the town and they were saved (from the Tamarack fire),” said Doug Busey. “Nobody could go in for months.”
“We’ve never really had a chance to celebrate our 100th anniversary. Thank goodness for the firefighters who were hunkered down here for about a week,” said CRR owner, Phil Elfstrom. “They saved all the buildings and the river cabin. I’m honored to be a part of a 102-year resort as well. This year is going to be full blown.”
The resort sits just south of Markleeville on Highway 89 and has cabins, RV park, camping on the river and a general store.
Sunday will also be the resorts’ 4th of July celebration.
Busey has been visiting and fishing out at the resort for 30-plus years.
“Meeting the different people. It’s not just fishing. It’s a personal relationship that I’ve had with the previous owners and the new owner,” said Busey. “Once you’re introduced to people up there, it’s like you’ve been friends for a while.”
Busey added that the atmosphere has been a big reason for his continual returns as well as being able to listen to the river at night.
The river features Lahontan cutthroat, browns, brook, rainbow and mountain whitefish.
“The fishing has been excellent. We have a lot of fish in the water,” said Elfstrom.
Trails of all kinds for both hiking and biking surround the resort and give patrons access to scenery of all kinds.
Celebratory activities
Sunday will feature a bagpiper playing throughout the afternoon and a BBQ with ‘all the fixin’s, include burgers, hot dogs and beverages.
A full meal plus a side will be $10 and patrons can add a beer for an additional $2.
Live music will start at 3 p.m. featuring a local musician.
At 6 p.m. the Lost Reverends of the High Sierra band will take over and plans to play into the night.
“It’s not like you have to be real quiet,” said Busey. “Just being able to celebrate with their patrons and local customers over the years.”
The Carson River Resort asks for no fireworks as use or possession could result in a $1,000 fine from law enforcement.
Elfstrom said they plan on doing a poker run on August 20, starting in Genoa, with all proceeds going to Alpine County Fire.
“We’re going to start at the Genoa bar, down 395, over Monitor and end up here for live music,” said Elfstrom.
Elfstrom has extended the invitation to all the firefighters, power line workers, sheriffs and anyone else who assisted during the fire last year.
“I’m very thankful and I’m very humbled. There are a lot of people who lost a lot more than we did. I’m just glad we can still be a part of it,” said Elfstrom. “I’m honored to be able to serve them since 1920.”
