Your ultimate guide to Nevada Day festivities

Out in the heart of the golden west, Nevada is getting ready to celebrate its 155th birthday. While the actual anniversary of Nevada's statehood isn't until Thursday, Oct. 31, the official holiday (that is, the day many of us have off) is this Friday, Oct. 25. Expect school, bank and business closures, as well as state and local government offices. If you want to party like a true Nevadan, here's what you can do in Northern Nevada this week.

Nevada Day Carnival

Thursday, Oct. 24 - Sunday, Oct. 27, Mills Park, 1111 E. William St., Carson City

The holiday weekend kicks off Thursday night with the Nevada Day Carnival, a fundraiser event for the Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Mills Park in Carson City will play host to carnival rides, live music and craft vendors. The carnival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Hit up the carnival on opening night and partake in Food Truck Thursday. 

Nevada Day Pow Wow

Friday, Oct. 25 - Sunday, Oct. 27, Multi-Purpose Athletic Center, 1860 Russell Way, Carson City

Highlights of the three-day event include Native American singing and dancing, plus food and crafts, a hand game tournament, a horseshoe tournament and a cornhole tournament. The powwow features four grand entries (parades of dancing and singing): Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 12 p.m.

Battle Born BeerFest

Friday, Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m., The Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village

Carson City doesn't have a monopoly on Nevada Day celebrations. Several Incline-area restaurants and other local organizations will participate in a chili cook-off, while breweries will provide brews for a craft beer tasting. The event also includes line dancing lessons, an auction and a raffle. All proceeds will benefit local youth groups and education through the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline.

Nevada Day Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, Oct. 26, 7-9:30 a.m., Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St., Carson City

The Carson City Republican Women's Club will once again host its annual breakfast at the Governor's Mansion, located seven blocks west of the Nevada State Museum. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice and coffee for $6 (and $3 for kids 10 and younger). Proceeds go toward scholarships for graduating seniors from Carson or Dayton High School. 

Nevada Day Classic

Saturday, Oct. 26, 8-9 a.m., The Nugget Casino, 507 N. Carson St., Carson City 

Put on your costumes — or at least your most running-appropriate costumes — and participate in the 30th annual Nevada Day Classic, an eight-kilometer run and/or two-mile run/walk in downtown Carson. Entry fees range from $10 to $40, and all participants will receive a stainless steel pint cup commemorating the event.

Nevada Day Parade

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m., Carson Street between William and Stewart streets, Carson City

The parade, a staple of Carson City's Nevada Day festivities since 1938, begins at 10 a.m. This year's theme is "Nevada Counties – 100 Years" in recognition of Pershing County, the 17th and final county to be created in Nevada. 

Claiming your spot: For the best seating along the parade route, early arrival is a must. The parade route runs down Carson Street from William Street to Stewart Street, a 1.2-mile route with more than enough room for spectators. The most in-demand spots are roughly between Washington and 2nd Streets, close to iconic old-Carson architecture as well as casinos and restaurants with available restrooms.

There's a long-simmering debate over whether parade-goers should be able to claim space by setting up chairs and blankets before everyone in their party arrives — sometimes even staking a claim the night before; or if late-arrivers should be able to stake their claim on any unfilled space. Save yourself a headache and arrive early with your entire group.

What to wear: Dress in layers. Morning temperatures along the parade route will be in the 30s, but will climb into the 70s near the end. If you set up on the shady eastern side of Carson Street, the temperature change will be even more noticeable. Start out the morning with knit caps and gloves, but be prepared to switch to T-shirts by the end of the parade.

Don't miss: Several of last year's award-winners are among the 209 entries in this year's parade, including:

• Carson High School NJROTC (appearing in the 26th spot in the parade)
• Reno Rodeo Association (33rd)
• Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada (48th)
• Northern Nevada Celtic Community (77th)
• Carson Valley All About Youth (92nd)
• Northern Nevada Nicaraguan Association (125th)
• Domestic Violence Awareness (138th)
• Thursday Night Cruise Night (184th)
• Mutant Vehicle Misfits (205th)

Controlled Burn's flamethrower-laden float, the 207th float, is always a sight to behold, and the Moonlite Bunny Ranch's entry (168th) is always relatively low-key but nevertheless an "only in Nevada" moment. Marching bands from middle schools to college will be spaced out throughout the parade. And even in a non-election year, expect dozens of politicians.

Other tips: Get comfortable — the parade lasts for about four hours. Little ones can chase after candy and other goodies thrown by parade participants, but if they lose interest, be prepared to distract them with whatever you usually distract them with.

Are there members of your party that are sensitive to loud noises? Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. The flyover which kicks off the parade can be loud. Other sources of loud noise to watch for: police and fire engine sirens, parade participants firing blanks into the air, and the aforementioned Controlled Burn float.

Nevada Day Open House

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-4 p.m., Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St., Carson City

Gov. Steve Sisolak and First Lady Kathy Sisolak will host an open house at the Governor's Mansion  at 606 N. Mountain St., seven blocks west of the Nevada State Museum, between 2 and 4 p.m. 

Nevada Day Concert

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m., Capital Amphitheater, 395 S. Carson St., Carson City

Capital City Community Band will perform big band, patriotic, Halloween and marching music — and, of course, a performance of "Home Means Nevada." This free event will take place outside on the Legislative Mall at 2 p.m., just as the parade wraps up. Bring chairs and blankets.

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Halloween at the Haunted Mansion

Thursday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m., Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St., Carson City

On the actual anniversary of Nevada's admission to the Union, Gov. Steve Sisolak and First Lady Kathy Sisolak will welcome trick-or-treaters to the Governor's Mansion. Participating in the event will be the Carson City Dance Troupe Irish Dancers and Controlled Burn Fire Dancers, with music by Fabrizio. Representatives from NDOT Bike Safety and Oral Health Nevada will also be on hand.

Brett McGinness is the engagement editor for the Reno Gazette Journal. He's also the writer of The Reno Memo — a free newsletter about news in the Biggest Little City. Subscribe to the newsletter right here. Consider supporting the Reno Gazette Journal, too.