Let’s go to the fair

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

What better way to celebrate the Silver State’s 150th birthday than with a good, old-fashioned fair? That’s exactly what the Capital City plans to do one week from today, when it kicks off the Nevada Fair at Fuji Park. The city plans to celebrate in style, with events and activities honoring Nevada’s agriculture, mining, culture, and history.

While activities will begin on Wednesday, the official ribbon-cutting for the fair will take place on Thursday, July 31, at 11 a.m. The governor, mayor, and other dignitaries will arrive on the Wells Fargo Stagecoach and John Tyson will sing the National Anthem while the Flag is presented by students from Carson High School ROTC. Some other highlights of the fair include a ranch rodeo, carnival rides and games, and live entertainment.

Deputy City Manager Marena Works, a longtime supporter of 4-H, is looking forward to the 4H/FFA livestock show with an auction and small animal show, dairy cow and dairy goat show, and horse show. “It’s always been a dream to have something like this in Carson City.” She continued, “Having a showcase like this where the kids from 4-H and FFA have an opportunity to show is great.”

One of the things about the fair that has organizers most excited is the support from the community. “There is so much excitement, with people calling every day to share ideas and show support,” said Works. Susan Taylor, who’s overseeing fair organization, wants to let people know that fair is really trying to keep a Nevada focus, saying, “This is not a commercial fair. There’s really a hometown, traditional feel to it.”

Carson City Health and Human Services is excited to be part of the fair as well. The Medical Reserve Corps, housed at the Health Department, will be providing first aid support throughout the event, and the department will have an informational booth where community residents can come learn more about programs and services.

The fair begins next Wednesday, July 30, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 3. For more information and to view a schedule of events, visit nv150fair.com.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.