Carnival kicks off the start of Carson Valley Days

The smell of fresh-popped kettle corn and the sound of laughter filled the air at Lampe Park as the Carson Valley Days Carnival opened Thursday.

It was buddy night. All in attendance could buy a wristband for $35 and get a second wristband for half off. Game tickets could be purchased for $1 each.

This year’s carnival has 17 rides including the classic Ferris wheel and carousel. The carnival also has rides for thrill seekers such as the Screamer and Fireball. Small children also have rides to go on like the Monster Trucks and Dragon Wagon.

“This year’s rides were different, and it was exciting,” said Fili Cebrero.

The carnival has a booth for face painting and airbrush tattoos. There is a stand where people can get caricatures drawn. This year there are jewelry, art, clothing and toy booths open throughout the park.

For those ready to test their luck and win prizes, there are multiple carnival games to be played. Some of this year’s games include bottle ring toss and balloon dart toss.

Food, drink and sweet booths are open with many options. A few of favorites on Thursday were the hot dogs, lemonade, cotton candy, taquitos, and curly fries.

Hungry Hearts is serving smash burgers and fries with 10 percent of the proceeds going to Austin’s House, which operates an emergency shelter facility for children up to 18 years old.

Carson Valley 20-30 Club member Dustin Anderson reminded everyone that this year’s event will be warmer than the past few years with a high of 90 degrees and that everyone should make sure to “drink water” and “have fun.”

Jade Woffinden, who went with friends says that she got to meet and see old friends at the carnival.

“This has been a lot of fun. There is a lot of cool people here. The people running the rides are really awesome too,” Woffinden said.

The carnival on Saturday is from 11 a.m. to close. There will be a kids’ grease pole, horseshoe tournament, arm-wrestling contest and a beard contest.

Crossman Connection and Moxy Ruckus will be performing.

Moxy Ruckus is a project from lead singer Monique DeHaviland with several Carson Valley musicians. Performing with DeHaviland is drummer Beth Mordaunt guitarist Mylo McCormick, percussionist Dan Gunzel, bassist Jesus Munoz and local guest harpist Todd Whear to bring ’80s, ’90s, original and current hits to the stage 4:15-7:15 p.m.