Carson celebrates Independence Day

With temperatures hovering in the low 90s, people headed out to Mills Park early Friday to celebrate the Fourth of July before settling in at dusk to watch the fireworks.

Crystal and Jason Pacheco got to the park around 1 p.m. to set up a shade tent on the grass.

“We’re just hanging out,” Crystal said. “We’re waiting on friends and family. Usually we cook, but not this year. It’s too much.”

It’s a tradition for the Carson City family.

“It’s close,” Jason said. “You don’t have to fight traffic to get to Tahoe.”

While some families gathered to barbecue and visit with one another in the park, others came to have some fun at the annual RSVP carnival, which featured food, rides and games.

Ray Leyva was visiting friends in Carson City and stopped by the carnival on his way to the adjacent skate park.

“We’re going to ride some rides, enjoy and do something active,” he said.

The carnival remains at the park through Sunday. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. today and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Jade Maejor of Dayton said she always comes to Mills Park to get the best vantage point of the fireworks, which are launched from the parking lot of Carson High School across the street.

“I’ve been coming here for seven years,” she said. “I just love the fireworks.”

David and Michelle Parry barbecued for friends and family Friday afternoon.

“It’s a good day to get together,” said Michelle, who took the day off from work at A New You Salon.

David said he was looking forward to watching the fireworks, but the day meant more than a vacation to the Army veteran.

“It’s a celebration,” he said. “A celebration of independence from tyranny to freedom.”

The Nevada State Railroad Museum’s 150 Years of Transportation event will be continue through Sunday.

The showcase will feature several historical trains, steam locomotives V&T No. 25 and the famous Inyo will operate along with the self-propelled McKeen motor car for the weekend. Rides will be available behind the V&T No. 25 and on the McKeen car every 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission cost $15 for adults; $10 for museum members; $5 for children 3-17 and free for those two and younger.

Admission includes unlimited train rides and entrance to the museum’s Jacobsen Interpretive Center, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event.