Dia de Los Muertos Festival on Saturday

Following the enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural event, the Carson Valley Arts Council, Douglas County Community Services, and Main Street Gardnerville present the 2nd annual Dia de Los Muertos festival 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.

The community is invited to learn more about this annual cultural celebration while enjoying authentic food, crafts, Mariachi music, Folkloric, Aztec Dancers, face painting, and a 12-foot Catrina doll presentation by Latino Arte & Culture of Reno (latinoarte.org/).

This event is free and will be held at Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Alley in Gardnerville.

A time for reflelction

How is it possible that we have arrived at the first of November? Growing up, it always seemed to take so long to go from one season to the next, but I remember my parents telling me that one day, that would all change and time would simply start to fly by.

Boy, were they right.

Looking back over the past year, many events that come to mind feel disjointed; some as though they took place long ago and others as if they happened just yesterday. It’s hard to pinpoint where I lost sense of time yet here we are, November has arrived, and along with it the eventful holiday season.

If the past months are any indication, the coming weeks will pass in a haze of activity, so I’m preparing by making my lists early and checking them more than twice. Time to get ready, set, and go.

Historical Society hosts November events

Folks at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center have been hard at work preparing for the busy season, and the Douglas County Historical Society has special tributes planned to honor military veterans throughout this month (historicnv.org).

First up is Family Day at the Museum 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday.  This free event is a “Thank You Veterans” theme, and all are welcome. There will be games and prizes for the whole family, and complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and other beverages will be served throughout the day.

“Everyone Has a Story to Share,” features local veterans recounting their years of service in an open discussion format starting at 11 a.m., and cake and cookies will be served at 1 p.m.

Then on Nov. 11, the DCHS invites the community to recreate history at a special “Ringing of the Bells” ceremony on Armistice Day (now celebrated as Veterans Day).

Doors open at 10 a.m. and attendees have an opportunity to view a number of military uniforms and artifacts on display. At moment of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. followed by the ringing of the museum’s historic school bell. Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, John C. Fremont Chapter, will give a presentation on the History of the Armistice.

Museum Director Emeritus Dennis Little shared, “Over 100 years ago, bells rang throughout the land celebrating the signing of the Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, ending the fighting of World War I. In recognition of all who served in defense of our country we’re encouraging everyone to ring a bell on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

This event is also free and open to the public. Complimentary refreshments will be offered throughout the day.

In preparation for the museum’s upcoming Holiday Gala and Gallery of Trees, all baking architects are invited to stop by the museum and pick up an application to participate in the annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. It’s time to get those applications in and those festive foundations going.

Anyone looking to participate in the planning and hosting of these and other museum events is invited to attend the DCHS Volunteer Coffee Social at 9 a.m. on Monday at the museum.

Questions about these and other programs can be directed to 775-782-2555. The Museum is located at 1477 Main St. in Gardnerville; regular hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Time to turn back time

This weekend marks the first Sunday in November and thus the end of Daylight Saving Time for 2023. Standard Time resumes Nov. 5 at 2 a.m., so remember to turn clocks back one hour before bedtime on Saturday night.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.