The Giving Season Nears in Nevada
From fun Turkey Day races to cheerful holiday festivals, light displays and craft shows, the state offers plenty to get you into the spirit of giving.
Carson City kicks off the season with a wondrous celebration – the Silver and Snowflake Festival, held December 2, 2010. The festivities begin with the lighting of the State trees on the Capitol grounds. Schoolchildren entertain the crowds with cheerful holiday songs; feel free to join in! Santa Claus will be coming by in a carriage, accompanied by the Mrs., and he will have candy canes for all the good boys and girls. For more information, visit www.visitcarsoncity.com/events/?location=carson&monthyear=122010.
Get your Thanksgiving morning off to a running start with the 9th Annual Catch the Gobbler 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk. Lace up those running shoes and bring the whole family to Bunker Family Park in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Running Team brings you this fabulous event, which also includes music, good eats and a prize drawing. Don’t miss the turkey giveaway. Awards are given to category top finishers, and computerized timing is used. Same-day registration is available. For more information, visit www.lasvegasrunningteam.com/events.htm.
Stretch your legs and get running—or walking. Start your Thanksgiving Day off at the Scheels Turkey Trot in Sparks. The event includes a timed 10K run, as well as an untimed two-mile course open to walkers and runners alike. It’s a pleasant way to enjoy time with family before the big feast. The course centers on Sparks Marina Park with a scenic two-mile route that continues into the area’s neighborhoods for the 10K run. All participants will be given a sweatshirt, and can enjoy refreshments after the race. Proceeds from the race benefit Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful. The event is held November 25, 2010, and same-day registration is available. For more information, visit www.ci.sparks.nv.us/visiting/events/turkey%20trot.
Fill your gift sack with lots of good finds at the 30th Annual Magic of Santa Arts and Crafts Faire, held at the Reno Livestock Events Center on Saturday and Sunday, November 27 and 28, 2010 in Reno. You’re sure to wrap up your holiday shopping after browsing the multitude of fine pieces, handcrafted for your enjoyment. Receive discounted admission with the donation of a canned good. Donations will benefit the Northern Nevada Food Bank. For more information, visit www.tannersreno.com/santa/index.htm.
This holiday season, take your family for a drive and give them The Gift of Lights. Celebrating a decade of displays this year, this spectacular drive-through attraction will brighten everyone’s holiday season. Admire archways, lighted animations and more, all from the cozy comfort of your car. The award-winning Gift of Lights incorporates the latest in LED lights to cut down on energy use, so it’s also a gift to the environment. The attraction, located in Las Vegas, is on from November 12 through January 2, 2011. For more information, visit www.giftoflights.com.
Enjoy a bright and inspiring start to the season.
