Sixth-generation rancher designs Carson Valley Days button

If anyone knows the “music of the Carson Valley” it’s local ranchers, and sixth-generation cowgirl Gwen Scossa was the one to sum that up for the 2024 Carson Valley Days Button’s theme Music is Carson Valley.

Gwen said she sketched a few different images before finalizing one of girl riding a horse towards Jobs Peak with a guitar on her back, cattle in the fields, and music notes above the horizon.

Organized each year by the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club, Carson Valley Days is a celebration of the valley’s agricultural heritage dating back to the first one in 1910.

Lions Club Secretary Ron Santi said there is a story behind the image Gwen drew.

“Years ago, the Lions Club was a part of the Dangberg concerts,” said Santi. “One of the first concerts was country western and during it the cows would all round up near the fence, like they were attracted to the music. It was a sight to see and to this day it’s not uncommon to see cows along that road at Dangberg or anywhere in Carson Valley and what’s not to love about Jobs Peak.”

Santi said the Lions Club told Gwen that story and their vision of the button and she created her own interpretation. 

“When I think of the music of Carson Valley it’s exactly this, the mountains or rather Jobs’ Peak, some cattle and riding,” said Gwen.

In the past, the Lions Club worked with the graphic design class at Douglas High School to create the pins and after Rita Borselli retired, they tossed around different ideas among themselves before reaching out the Gwen’s mother, Ansie Scossa.

“I had just posted some artwork she had done and a member sent me a message saying the committee was putting together some ideas for the pins and wanted Gwen to submit a picture,” said Ansie. “It was really a surprise and such a cool honor.”

Gwen said knowing her artwork is going to be part of something for years to come is exciting.

“A lot of people collect the pins and to know that mine will be a part of that is really cool,” said Gwen.

Gwen is a junior at Douglas High School and has been drawing since she was in sixth grade.

Scossa Ranch is one of many historic ranches in the Carson Valley owned and ran by the Scossa family since 1885.

“People have really loved the pins, it’s a beautiful drawing and we are very fortunate Gwen wanted to be a part of this,” said Santi.

Contributions from the pins are distributed to various causes and charities supported by the Lion’s Club, including three $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors, Project Santa, Austin House, more. Visit https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/carsonvalleynv/index.php for more information or 775-315-2354. 

Buttons may be purchased from Accolades Trophy, ABE Printing & Copy, Raley’s, Ace Hardware, JT and the Corner Bar, Aurora Salon, 7/11 on Tillman in the Gardnerville Ranchos, JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, Coffee on Main, DST Coffee and Nevada State Bank. Santi said the Lions Club will also have a booth at the Esmeralda Farmers Market.

Carson Valley Days is June 6-9, with the carnival opening Thursday and the parade beginning 9 a.m. June 8 on County Road, heading down Highway 395 to Waterloo Lane, and ending at Lampe Park.

Presale carnival tickets, $30, are available now through June 5 at Raley’s in Minden and Carson City locations, Nevada State Bank, and Accolades Trophies. Price at the park is $35.

Fun filled activities throughout the weekend include craft and food vendors, face painting, children’s games, horseshoe tournament, basketball tournament and cornhole tournaments. A raffle drawing is 11 a.m. Sunday along with the Duck Derby Race in Willow Creek at noon.

Duck Derby tickets can be purchased from a 20-30 club member. Cost; one duck $5, three ducks $10, and Quack packs ( 6 ducks) $20. Business packages also available, contact a member for details. Prizes will be given to first, second, and last places (lame duck).