Governor's Tin Cup Tea set for Saturday

Nearly 550 people have reserved tickets to attend this year's Tin Cup Tea & Chuck Wagon BBQ at the Governor's Mansion Saturday, but plenty of space is still available, organizers said Tuesday.

The event, which raises funds for the Nevada State Museum and the Keck Museum at the Mackay School of Mines, will host up to 700 this year, said organizer Kathi Baker at the Nevada State Museum.

Hosted by Gov. Kenny Guinn and first lady Dema Guinn, guests are encouraged to put on their best Western wear and boots for the evening.

"It makes it real fun," Baker said. "People come in their do-dads."

With outdoor music by the Comstock Cowboys and a performance by the Guns and Gals of Virginia City, the night will be filled with activities.

For $45, guests are handed one tin cup each at the door to hold onto as they make the rounds at the beer wagons and non-alcoholic drink tables. Food for the barbecue to feed guests has been donated by Boomtown and drinks were donated by Capital Beverages, Silver Peak and Southern Wine and Spirits. Free Gigi's Kettle Corn and Starbucks Coffee will also be on hand.

Guests can tour the Governor's Mansion, have pictures taken and visit the display of first lady inaugural gowns on loan from the Nevada State Museum's Marjorie Russell Textile and Clothing display. Calendars will be available for sale.

A live auction will take place for a special overnight stay and dinner in Virginia City. Also, 62 items will be available at the silent auction, which will include night stays at the Gold Hill Inn, Edith Palmer's County Inn and the Bliss Mansion, paintings, prints, a personal walking tour of rock art, gold splatters from Newmont Mining, a behind-the-scenes tour inside the vaults of the Nevada State Museum and a guided tour of historic mining town of Belmont near Tonopah, which includes an overnight stay.

IF YOU GO

What: Tin Cup Tea & Chuck Wagon BBQ in Celebration of Nevada's Western Heritage

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St.

Tickets: $45 each person

Call: Kathi Baker 687-4810, ext. 222