Corley Ranch heads up destination events concerts

The 1970s country-rock group Firefall tentatively has been signed to play the first Carson Valley Community Concert Series at Corley Ranch.

Paula Corley, who bought the south Gardnerville ranch in 1997 with husband, Jon, announced the concert series at the Gardnerville Business Association meeting last week. One community concert is planned each month in May, June, July and August.

"After we took possession of the ranch we learned what wonderful history the ranch has," she said.

Corley Ranch dates back to 1861. It was then part of the original H.F. Dangberg Ranch, when the historic Minden family ran 3,000 sheep there. It was the Parks Home Ranch from 1903 to 1937 and the Pruett Ranch until purchased by the Corleys.

"From 1861 to 2003, the ranch has a history of 142 years," Corley said. "We could not tear down and rebuild the buildings. We need to preserve that history and share it with others."

It's a working ranch with cattle, performance horses and hay. It is an example of agriculture, diversification and agri-tourism.

The ranch owners host a variety of community events including weddings and can accommodate up to 500 people. Outside activities run from May 1 through Oct. 31. A new indoor arena is available. A cook shack is open year-round for inside meetings and parties of up to 40 people.

Corley has signed on with Douglas and Dianemarie Collins of DM Productions of Reno, which hosts that city's annual Cinco de Mayo festivities.

"We live in Reno and are huge supporters of this area," Doug Collins said.

"Doing concerts in Carson Valley makes a lot of sense. There are a lot of people in the area from California and they don't want to lose the culture.

"The Corley Ranch is a great location. Carson Valley needs destination events and DM specializes in high-end events."

Collins said he is negotiating with Arlo Guthrie, a folk singer, and the Yellow Jackets, a jazz group, to play in the valley.

He plans to offer ticket prices of between $20 and $40.

Because Corley is a cancer survivor, she is planning to donate proceeds from three of the concerts to the American Cancer Society. The other concert may benefit the Gardnerville Business Association.

"One of our main purposes is to help promote tourism in Carson Valley," Corley said. "We want to try and get people to stay in our motels, eat at our restaurants and buy our gas."