Carson City’s July 4 starts with a feast

The residents of Carson City came out to celebrate the red, white and blue for Fourth of July on Tuesday.

The day started at the Carson Mall for the Nevada Hot Dog Eating Contest as kids, teens and adults tried to down the dogs fastest.

“I am amazed by how excited people are about this,” said organizer Maxine Nietz. “I am happy with it.”

Nietz organized the event after a friend suggested it as an activity to celebrate the holiday.

“I was looking for something to do because I thought I’ve got to do something at the mall for the Fourth of July,” Nietz said. “Someone suggested it and I said let’s do it.”

About two dozen people gathered at the mall to cheer on groups of hotdog and watermelon eaters.

“It has been great, the only problem I have had is I’ve been too busy, I can’t get any photos,” Nietz said.

Participants were excited to compete, with several signing up for multiple events. Koda Allen, 12, from Salt Lake City, participated in both the hotdog and watermelon eating contests, enjoying the abundance of food.

“It is hard, but (I decided to do it because) I’m hungry and I wanted cheap food,” Allen said.

Almost 400 hotdogs were donated by Butler Gourmet Meats and grilled by the chefs at Carson’s new restaurant, The Union.

Across town, hundreds gathered at Mills Park to enjoy the annual Fourth of July carnival and fireworks. The area was filled with a lighted midway, rides and lots of smiles as families and loved ones gathered to honor the holiday.

“Everyone had the day off so we thought we would come and hang out,” said Carson resident Dydy Lindstrom. “And the kids are having so much fun on the rides.”

The end of the carnival is marked by an explosion of fireworks over Mills Park once the sun goes down.

“The fireworks (are my favorite tradition) because it is nice and cool out and seeing all of the oohs and aahs,” Lindstrom said.

For many Carson residents, the fireworks are the best Fourth of July tradition.

“The fireworks are always great here,” said Carson resident Rachel Brown. “Whether we watch them in Mills Park or on our balcony at home, every year Carson has a great show.”