Teri’s Notebook: Nevada Day tips and tricks; tea party to raise money for children in need

I talked with longtime Nevada photographer Cathleen Allison on Friday, and the conversation turned to Nevada Day.

She was saying that as a Navy brat her family moved often so they weren’t able to build traditions like attending annual events. That’s one of the things she likes best about the Nevada Day parade.

“Having covered it since the late ’90s, it’s always cool to see those families in the same place as they add kids and grandkids,” she said. “To see these families make this a tradition year after year is really cool. There’s no other state that celebrates its birthday like Nevada does.”

I turned to social media to find out people’s favorite part about the Nevada Day Celebration, which will be Oct. 26 in downtown Carson City, and tips for the newcomers on how to make the most of the big day.

Rather than staking a specific spot, Christina Peterson walks Carson Street with her mom and daughters.

“Some of the fun of the parade is the people you meet on the sidewalk,” she said. “I still see the entire parade but walking is so much more fun.”

She suggested getting Bloody Marys from The Fox and hitting up the street party on Telegraph Street.

For many people, Nevada Day is like a reunion.

“(You) run into people you don’t see but once a year at the parade,” said Kathy Taylor.

Danielle Cook recommends hitting up the “pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall on E. Washington, Espresso martinis at Carson Cigar, cornish pasties at the Elks Club and the Chili Feed at the Carson Nugget.”

Leslee Arnold’s favorite part of the parade is the marching bands, while Kelli Du Fresne prefers watching the World Championship Single-Jack Rock Drilling.

Sue Fritz likes the live music. Full disclosure: Her husband, Gary Fritz, plays with my husband in Randy and the G Men, which will be performing 6 p.m. Saturday in Mills Park for the Nevada Day after party.

Mostly though, Nevada Day is just a reason to celebrate our great state.

“For us... we dreamed of living in Nevada for soooo long,” said Heidi Brandow. “We’ve both lived all over the country, but choose Nevada — no place like it on Earth. So, the fact that we get to celebrate being in Nevada is the best part of the day!”

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Also, right around the corner is the annual Holiday with a Hero, where representatives from state and local agencies take children in need on a Christmas shopping spree. The Carson City Elks Lodge #2177 is hosting the second annual Holiday With a Hero Tea Party 1-3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Governor’s Mansion.

Carson High School Culinary Arts students will cater the event with traditional tea sandwiches and desserts.

For the past 16 years Holiday With A Hero has partnered with the Carson City School District’s McKinney-Vento Students-in-Transition program to provide a Christmas for hundreds of local students in need. Each student is paired with first responders or volunteers from other community organizations for a $100 Christmas shopping spree at Walmart.

Local heroes will be on hand to serve tea and pose for photos.

Traditional tea party attire is encouraged but not required.

Tickets are $20 in advance and available at the Elk’s Lodge Lounge at 515 N. Nevada St. or at the event for $25.

For information, call Lisa at (775) 720-1516.