Taste of Downtown this weekend

Thousands of people will fill the streets of Carson City Saturday evening for the 18th annual Taste of Downtown, but the weekend fun actually starts Friday night with the annual Father's Day Powwow, and continues Saturday morning with the Carson City Airport Open House.

The Taste of Downtown, which benefits the Advocates to End Domestic Violence shelter and support services, covers 13 city blocks in historic downtown Carson City with trolley stops along the way to transport tasters from one end of the event to the other.

"There are only 2,000 tickets, but there are always about 2,000 other people who wander around to shop or listen to the music," said Terri Farnworth, office manager for Advocates. "The weather is going to cooperate, and this is the first big downtown event of the summer where people can come out and see the friends they haven't seen in a long time."

Voted as the best annual event in the Nevada Appeal's Reader's Choice survey, The Taste will offer ticket holders delicious samples from 30 restaurants, as well as music from seven bands - all new to the Taste this year - and 20 downtown shops which will participate with their own raffles and giveaways, Farnworth said.

Tickets are $35, and can be purchased at Classy Seconds Thrift Shop, the Carson City Convention Center and Visitors Bureau and Home Treasures Gift Shop in the Carson Mall. On the day of the event, any remaining tickets will go on sale at 11 a.m. at the information booth on the steps of City Hall.

In addition, said Advocates Executive Director Lisa Lee, the first 200 ticket holders who show up at the information booth will receive a commemorative plate to hold their samples and beverages so they don't have to juggle everything.

Another surprise will be an artist who will design a temporary tattoo, "Taste This," for those who want something fun for the night. She will be available from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Lee said the goal, after paying the restaurants and bands, is to clear $45,000.

"We will spend $40,000 just on utilities this year," she said.

Prior to coming up with the idea for The Taste of Downtown, Advocates were putting on 17 fundraisers a year.

"We were crazed trying to do everything," she said.

"This event will help us with food and support services. Our goal is to try to keep people in their homes, but if that isn't possible, we help them start over," she said.

The Advocates shelter is the largest for victims in Northern Nevada, wih 51 beds and the ability to accommodate a variety of family situations.

Lee advises tasters to wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and to bring along bottled water. Some outdoor seating is available, and some restaurants feed people inside. Lee also suggests that participants park where they plan to end up.

"This is one of our funnest events, and we hope everyone comes down to see the best that Carson City has to offer. This is one of the best ways to showcase our town with all the historic buildings and good food. You'll fall back in love with your little town," Lee said.

Participating restaurants include: Comma Coffee, Firkin & Fox, Mom & Pops, Bella Fiore Wines, Casino Fandango, Ole Ole, Lady Tamales, Busy Bee Eatery, High Sierra Brewery, B'Sghetti's, Papa Murphy's, Locals BBQ & Grill, San Marcos Grill, Mo & Sluggo's, Juan's Mexican Grill, Sierra Joe's, The Spoke Bar and Grill, Carson Horseshoe Club, Charley's Grilled Subs, Paul Schat's Bakery, Paradise cove, Red's Old 395, Carson Plaza, San Rafael Coffee Co., Artisan Cafe, Jimmy G's, Blue Bull, Thai Spice Kitchen & Sushi, Carson Nugget, and Q'doba Mexican Grill.

For more information, call 883-7654.

Father's Day Powwow

The Stewart Father's Day Powwow Committee kicks off its 2011 Stewart Father's Day Powwow at the Stewart Facility in Carson City Friday through Sunday.

This colorful free event promises competition dancing, Native American arts and crafts, Indian tacos, drum groups, the princess contest, raffle prizes and a special alumni recognition ceremony.

"It is the committee's hope that this event will give the community a sample of Native American heritage, history and pride," said Sherry Rupert, executive director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission.

One of the most spectacular offerings of the weekend are the grand entries which are at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon on Sunday.

The powwow is hosted in partnership with the Nevada Indian Commission and the Stewart Alumni.

"This annual powwow draws a number of quality Native American arts and crafts vendors, and is also a time for alumni, former employees and their families and friends to gather at the former campus," Rupert said. "Additionally, it is part of an effort to establish the Stewart Indian Cultural Center to preserve the history and memorabilia of the former Indian boarding school."

All are invited and welcome to attend this free event.

This program has been made possible, in part, through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

"Celebrate Father's Day Weekend with the entire family and experience Native American heritage, history and pride," she said.

For information, call Rupert at 687-8333 or email at srupert@nic.nv.gov.

Airport open house Saturday

The annual open house at the Carson City Airport on Saturday includes fly-bys, activities, food and more, including historic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and B-25 Bomber.

"See these magnificent machines up close and have an opportunity to walk through an airplane," said Tim Rowe, airport manager. "Learn about aviation and its impact on Carson City. See everything from Search and Rescue helicopters to the amazing military CH-54 Chinook. You can even take a ride in a hot air balloon."

Start the day at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast provided by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Other food will be available throughout the day. Fly-bys begin at 9:30 a.m. and include sky divers.

This event usually attracts more than 3,000 visitors, and is free to the public. It runs until 4 p.m. at 2600 E. College Parkway, Rowe said.

Other activities include plane and helicopter demonstrations, plan and hot air balloon rides, radio-controlled models, ground bound experimental aircraft, face painting, a bounce house and paper airplane contest.

The lineup of planes also includes Army Lakota, War Birds, T-6 Texan, Cobra Helicopter, T-33 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre Jet and more.

Proceeds raised through rafflle and T-shirt sales will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

For information call Rowe at 841-2255.