Gardnerville workers help hang Christmas lights on Hope Falcke's tree in Genoa in preparation for events starting Nov. 20. On Tuesday, Minden workers were hanging decorations downtown.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
In just over two weeks, Gardnerville lights the way to the holidays with its annual fireworks show, weather permitting.
The town’s event in Heritage Park is literally called the “Christmas Kickoff” for a reason. It’s first up 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30 with a lighting of the gazebo, serving up Dutch oven cobbler, hot cocoa, spiced cider and popcorn.
Entertainment will be provided by Controlled Burn, All About Dance, Northwest Martial Arts and possibly the Douglas High Choir.
Fireworks are provided by Pyro Guys.
Santa is going to be a busy guy over the following few days, turning up at both Minden’s Gazebo lighting and Genoa’s tree lighting on Dec. 1 night, very nearly simultaneously.
Festivities in and around Minden Park start at around 5 p.m. with the gazebo lit by 6 p.m. by the man in red himself.
The Douglas High School Dynamics are expected to perform as S’mores roast over an open fire pit along Esmeralda Avenue.
In Genoa, the music will be provided by caroling in the Town Church starting 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1, and then they’ll walk down to observe the arrival of Santa and the lighting of Hope Falcke’s tree followed by cookies and cocoa.
Nevada’s oldest town won’t be done with Mr. Claus by a long shot as Genoa conducts two sittings of Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are $5 a person and must be purchased in advance at the town office. Call 775-782-8696 for info.
Fortified by pancakes and sausage, celebrants can head over to the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center for their annual Holiday Gala, featuring the Gallery of Trees and the Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 775-782-2555 if you’re interested in participating.
The opening days of December culminate in the 27th annual Parade of Lights 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2 through Gardnerville and Minden. The roads close at 4:30 p.m. with the parade traveling from Heritage Park onto Main Street and then onto Esmeralda ending at Minden Park.
Parade grand marshals will be Douglas Tiger State Champions.
