Carson City beginning to make plans for Nevada Day

While the parade is still three months away, the Nevada Day committee is hoping people will start planning for the Oct. 29 celebration.

“We want to improve the overall quality of the parade,” said Janet Baker, president of Nevada Day Inc.

A party 5-7:30 p.m. today in Telegraph Square — in conjunction with Charlie B’s and Arsty Fartsy art galleries’ Community Art Night — will launch the 2016 Nevada Day Parade Season.

In addition to food trucks along with art displays, a table will be set up to sign up to volunteer, sponsor the parade or enter a float.

“They can do it all right there,” Baker said.

Among others, the committee is looking for about 30 parade marshals to help keep the parade moving on course and to keep participants and viewers safe. Volunteers will be provided breakfast and lunch and invited to an appreciation dinner in November. They will also receive a commemorative cap.

Ken Hamilton, executive director of Nevada Day, said it’s a popular post among volunteers.

“They get to see the floats up close and personal,” he said. “You can talk to the local politicians and some of the local characters in the community. I’ve heard they have a great time.”

Parade entrants will also receive a “Parade Floats for Dummies” pamphlet to encourage more creative floats and marching units.

“We want people to start thinking about who is the customer here,” Baker said. “It’s the people who stood for two or three hours to watch the parade. It’s not the people who are in the parade. They don’t want to watch someone walk down the street in everyday clothes. They came to see something spectacular.

“We want them to think outside the box.”

During the launch party, this year’s poster and button will also be revealed. To illustrate the theme — Nevada, Then and Now — the design features old and new photos from around the state.

“It’s little snippets from our state,” Hamilton said. “I love it. I really do.”

All volunteer opportunities and Nevada Day events are featured at nevadaday.com.