Wagon Train flies Nevada flag for first time

Twenty years after being recognized by the state of Nevada as an historic event, the Highway 50 Wagon Train received a Nevada flag to fly on the journey from Dayton to Placerville.

The Wagon Train made its way from Dayton and through Carson City on Thursday, passing down Edmonds and Fairview streets before arriving at the Nevada State Railroad Museum about 2 p.m.

Wagoners took a break as Mayor Ray Masayko presented the flag, which was donated by the Flag Store in Reno.

This is the 53rd trip for the Wagon Train through Nevada, which flies the California flag but has never had a Nevada flag.

"I guess we forgot to ask for one," said events coordinator Vi Tara. "Now we have one, we will fly it every year."

Tara, of Pollock Pines, has ridden on the wagon train 10 years.

After the flag was fastened to the back of one of the wagons, the excursion continued on its way down Highway 395 with an escort of mounted officers and a Carson City sheriff's patrol vehicle.

The wagoners camped at Fuji Park on Thursday night and then continued up Highway 50, where they will camp again near Spooner Lake.

The Wagon Train is expected to arrive in Placerville on June 9 in time for the annual parade.

California declared the wagon train its only moving state historical event in 1980. Tara said she believes it to be the only bi-state historical event of its kind.

Itinerary

June 1 -- Fuji Park to Spooner

June 2 -- Spooner to Horizon Casino

June 3 -- Layover at Horizon Casino

June 4 -- Horizon to Meyers

June 5 -- Meyers to Strawberry Meadow

June 6 -- Layover at Strawberry

June 7 -- Strawberry to Riverton

June 8 -- Riverton to Pollock Pines

June 9 -- Pollock Pines to Placerville