Revelers hope for a better 2011

From formal galas to wild parties, Carson City welcomed 2011 with a passion.

At Casino Fandango, parking spots were at a premium as table game and slots machines were full.

Carson City Sheriff's Chief Deputy John Suarez was with his brother-in-law Lee Qualls as Qualls tried his luck at a monster machine at the front of the casino. By 8 p.m. Qualls was up $400 and glad to be starting the new year with a little extra cash.

Locals BBQ & Grill owner Ralph Swagler said he was out just long enough to say "hi" to everyone. As the southern rock of Jeremy Lesley Band kept the crowd moving, Swagler admitted he would probably be asleep before the clock struck midnight.

"I won't even be awake to see the ball drop in New York at nine," he said.

Carson Station also was packed to the gills.

Sandy Cowen, Amy Wolf, Kelsey Jaramillo and Ann Hurt, decided the safest way to ring in the New Year was by renting a room downtown.

"That way we won't drink and drive," said the Jaramillo who celebrated her 21st birthday in August.

The group was joined by Sonya Romero who came with her husband Fernando and mother Celia Saavedra.

Romero said she had high hopes for 2011.

"Hopefully everything is better this year. Money. Everything," she shouted above the music.

Wolf shared a similar sentiment as she bounced to R&B standards courtesy of the Stepping Stones.

"2011 has to be better. It needs to be," she said.

At the Tap Shack on Rice Street, owner Michael Lloyd was throwing his first New Year's Eve bash.

"Everything is a first this year, Nevada Day, everything," said Lloyd who opened the little narrow bar in June.

Despite its tiny square footage, the patrons were a cheerful lot.

Carolyn Messer said her New Year's resolution was a cheesy one.

"I want to get my house in order," she said.

Her husband Dave had other ideas for Carolyn's spare time.

"I want to teach my wife to golf," he said.

At the Carson City Library Foundation's New Year's Eve gala at the State Library and Archives Mayor Bob Crowell joined more than 130 other revelers who observed the new year at 9 p.m. when the ball dropped on the East Coast. In addition to a silent auction and raffle guests were treated to a dinner buffet, entertainment, champagne toast and silent auction.

Crowell said he enjoys the library fundraiser because his night ends early.

"I think this is a wonderful way to start the new year. It's over at nine and then it's time to go home and read a book," he said.