Annual RSVP Nevada Days carnival kicks off celebration of statehood today in Mills Park

The Tilt-a-Whirl, Sizzler and Ferris wheel will be in action today as the RSVP Nevada Days carnival kicks off festivities to celebrate Nevada's statehood.

The carnival opens at 4 p.m. and all-day ride passes are available for $12. This price is good today only.

All-day ride passes Friday through Sunday are $18 each.

"The vendors and the rides are all set up ready to go," said Janice Ayres, executive director of RSVP Rural Counties.

"We have 28 vendors with all kinds of food imaginable. Plus beer, wine and soft drinks."

Also included in the vending are crafters. Ayres said a new vendor with antique milk cans decorated with a variety of designs will be there.

"They're collector items. They're really neat.

"There will also be a vendor selling hand-crocheted shawls, who has not been here before. We have some unusual things this year."

"And of course the weather will be nice," Ayres said.

"You can't let the weather keep you from going out. You'd never go out if you lived your life by the weather. We've had four seasons in one day. This is Nevada. If we're not used to it by now, we never will be.

"I've stood on Carson Street with snow up to my knees on Nevada Day."

Weather forecasts predict temperatures in the low to mid-60s with a 20 percent chance of precipitation.

With the adrenaline and sugar rush brought on by cotton candy, caramel apples and soda, warm temperatures are optional.

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.