Nobody does a Nevada Day celebration like Carson City

Nevada celebrates 144 years of statehood on Oct. 31, turning Halloween into a three-day birthday party. Although Nevada Day events occur all over the state, no town commemorates the Silver State's big day like Carson City. Nevada's capital city schedules the largest parade and more auxiliary events than visitors can possibly cram into the busy weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

The extended weekend provides a reason to visit Carson City when it glows with seasonal color. Forested mountains flanking Carson Valley already await winter, their autumn color faded, but trees in the valley still bear the brilliant hues of fall. Although the days often stay bright, bring jackets to ward off the possible chill of weather that changes rapidly so close to the Sierras.

Since the events in Carson City attract large crowds, visitors planning to stay overnight or longer in the area should reserve rooms soon. If you can't find rooms in Carson City, consider Carson Valley locations such as Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa or Virginia City. Just a half-hour's drive away from Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe provide many options as well.

The 66th annual Nevada Day Parade on Nov. 1 continues a tradition started before World War II. The 2008 theme, "Hollywood in Nevada -- Movies and Television," highlights Hollywood's portrayals of Nevada landscapes, characters and stories since the earliest days of film. Many entries in the 35 parade categories will vie for notice with interpretations of this broad theme.

The highlight of the celebration, the parade on Nov. 1, lasts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., preceded at 8 a.m. by a colorful hot air balloon lift-off, weather permitting. A stirring flyover of jets from Fallon Naval Air Station and aircraft of the Nevada National Guard coincides with the start of the parade. The parade on Carson Street from William Street to Stewart boasts military color guards, themed floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, costumed American Indian riders, antique cars, horse-drawn vehicles, Shriners in tiny cars, clowns and politicians. Always lively, the parade in an election year takes on added patriotic color.

Bands from all over the state strut along the parade route, blasting out their best for the crowds lining the capital's main street. Many also participate in the Battle of the Bands, an annual competition open to the public during a weekend studded with musical events.

In full regalia, Native American participants represent several tribal groups assembled in Carson City for the 25th annual La Ka Le'Ba Powwow. Three days of activities for all tribes coincide with Nevada Day. Open to the public, the powwow opens Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. with a grand entry of participants at the Carson City Indian Colony gymnasium at 2900 S. Curry St. The event provides opportunities for socializing, singing, dancing and sharing traditional foods.

Community meals during the Nevada Day festivities include pancake breakfasts and a popular annual chili feed. Admission is free to the chili feed at the Carson Nugget's banquet center from noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 1. Bluegrass music entertains guests during the event, hosted by Lt. Gov. Brian Krolecki, a tradition started 26 years ago by former Sen. Richard Bryan when he was attorney general running for the governorship of Nevada.

Nevada Day organizers include many contests and sports events during the celebration. Men grow all kinds of whiskers for the popular beard contest. Old time mining skills are tested in the rock-drilling contest Saturday afternoon in the Carson Nugget parking lot. Softball games, a car derby, golfing and walking-running events all take place over the long weekend in Carson City.

Historical connections during the Nevada Day weekend include tours of the beautiful Governor's Mansion from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1, striking of a new commemorative silver coin at the Nevada State Museum, and a "steam up" at the Nevada State Railroad Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2.

No celebration of this kind would be complete without a big dance, a fireworks show and a carnival. For event details, visit the official Web site at Nevadaday.com or call (775) 882-2600.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.