'Salute to Moms' spring fair opens today

Squeals of excitement and the aroma of corn dogs and cotton candy will fill the air Thursday at Mills Park as the 17th annual RSVP Spring Fun Fair gets under way.

"Salute to Moms" is the theme of the event, which runs through Sunday. On Mother's Day, all moms can ride the carnival rides for free, as many times as they dare.

On Thursday and Friday, the fair opens at 4 p.m. and runs to midnight. Saturday, it will be open noon until midnight, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. There is no charge for admission. Special all-day ride passes are available each day as well as individual ride tickets.

In addition to carnival rides, food and refreshment, arts and crafts will be featured in several booths along the midway.

"There is the climbing wall -- a rock wall, which was a big attraction for all ages last year," said Janice Ayres, executive director of RSVP. "It's a 24-foot, challenging rock wall.

"And Sunday, all a mom has to do is say, 'I'm a mom,' and they get to ride any of the rides for free."

Ayres said food vendors will have Indian tacos, hamburgers and hot dogs, funnel cakes, Chinese food and all kinds of desserts. Chilled drinks will be available as will wine, beer and a cocktail booth.

"As far as arts and crafts vendors, there will be kids' toys, oil paintings, face painting and puppets for sale."

Out of 30 vendors scheduled for sales, only 10 are from Nevada. The others hail from Florida, Utah, California, Oregon and Idaho.

Proceeds from the fair go toward RSVP's Home Companion program, which assists homebound persons to remain in their homes as long as possible.

Parallel parking will be allowed adjacent to the shoulder of Highway 50 along Mills Park for all days of the event.

For information, call RSVP at (775) 687-4680, or (800) 992-0900 ext. 4680. For lodging information call 1-800-NEVADA-1.

IF YOU GO

What: RSVP Spring Fun Fair

When: Thursday-Friday 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday noon-midnight; Sunday noon-10 p.m.

Where: Mills Park

Cost: Free admission; all-day ride passes available

Information: 687-4680