Carson City Rendezvous draws thousands

Rick Barram, left, Pete Scibilio, Curt Thomas, Carl Fowler and Steve Shaw line up along a picket fence Saturday waiting for orders to fire during a Civil War

re-enactment at the Carson City Rendezvous in Mills Park. | Brian Corley

Brisk cool winds didn't keep anyone away from Carson City's 19th annual Rendezvous on Saturday. By noon, a tangle of moms, dads, kids and dogs strolled under the cottonwoods at Mills Park and cannon thunder from the Civil War encampment could be heard across town.

"I think this is great," said Carson City resident Glen Reams. "It gets everyone out of the woodwork."

Tall and lanky with an easy smile, Reams said he'd lived in Carson City for 25 years, but this is the first time he's attended the event.

"I loved the Civil War battle," said Leaha Almquest with a smile. "But finding a parking spot was tough."

A Sacramento resident, she drove over Saturday morning for the event.

What began as a celebration of pioneer heritage has grown to include a blend of cultures and people that can only be described as uniquely American.

Elizabeth Austin of the Paiute-Shoshone tribe performed a jingle dance to the solid beat of Fallon's Sage Spirit Drums. The Latin Energy Dancers swung their skirts to the high-pitched brass of a Mariachi tune and Ancient Winds played the bright, breezy music of Ecuador and Peru.

The Scottish Clans: Stewart, Wallace, Ramsay, MacKinnon and more, gathered quietly just south of the railroad tracks.

"We're dedicated to the perpetuation of ancient customs," said John Howe, spokesman for the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans. "Anyone interested in the Scottish people, food, customs or folk dancing is invited to join."

Country-Western entertainer Sourdough Slim kept 'em in their seats at the main entertainment stage with a sweet rendition of "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and the Sierra Highland Pipe Band marched proudly across the grounds.

Booths displaying everything from artwork and T-shirts to jewelry lined the walkways, each with its own special story.

Antique portraits started at $15 for an 8-by-10 and Make-a-Wish was selling ducks for the Truckee River Duck Race, $5 a duck or six for $25, the money used to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

"The race starts at Wingfield Park on Aug. 24," said spokeswoman Jill Sellers. "The first 10 ducks to cross the finish line win prizes and first prize is a 2002 Sonoma, donated by Michael Hohl (Motor of Carson City)."

The event, which concludes today, is sponsored by a number of local businesses and organizations including Carson City Redevelopment, Cactus Jack's Casino, Colonial Bank, Capital Beverages and Carson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

The three-day event draws about 30,000 people and all proceeds go toward next year's event, according to event coordinator Maxine Nietz.

Today's highlights

9 a.m. -- All encampments, food and crafts open

9 a.m. -- Farrier finals begin, Pony Express building

10 a.m. -- Cowboy church service at main stage

11 a.m. -- Loading and shooting muzzleloaders

11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. -- Civil War battles and skirmishes followed by cavalry/pony express demonstration

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. -- Sage Spirit Dancers

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. -- Gunfighters

Noon -- Buckskinning demonstration

Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. -- Rhinestone Roper

Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. -- Latin Energy Dancers and Rosella Nunez

Various times -- Camel rides and petting zoo, Main Stage entertainment

5 p.m. -- Rendezvous closes