Dinosaurs roamed the Carson Valley Days Parade in 2018.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
While hardly old in geologic time, the theme for the 115th anniversary Carson Valley Days Festival is “Jurassic Valley,” according to the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club No. 85.
Scheduled for June 11-15, the annual parade is June 14.
“This beloved tradition brings together families, friends, and visitors for a weekend of celebration, entertainment, and community spirit,” organizers said. “This year’s parade theme invites participants to unleash their creativity and bring the prehistoric era to life. Parade floats will transport spectators back in time with dinosaurs, lush jungle scenery, and adventure-filled designs.”
Geologists believe the Nevadan and Elko mountain building periods occurred during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous 145-155 million years ago, creating the granodiorite making up the Sierra Nevada today.
Carson Valley Days is of much younger vintage, having first occurred June 11, 1910, and has been featured a parade every year since 1946.
The parade will kick off 9 a.m., traveling from Downtown Minden to Gardnerville.
Festival Highlights include Carnival Rides for all ages at Lampe Park Thursday–Sunday, live music and entertainment Friday and Saturday, along with craft and food vendors, face painting and kids’ games.
There will also be horseshoe, basketball, and cornhole tournaments throughout the weekend with a grand raffle drawing at 11 a.m. June 15.
The Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club is currently accepting sponsors, vendors, and parade participants.
Visit carsonvalley2030.org/cvdays to sign up.
For more updates, follow Carson Valley 20-30 Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carsonvalley2030 and RSVP to the official Carson Valley Days 2025 Facebook Event.
