RSVP carnival returns to Mills Park Thursday through Sunday

Nevada Rural Counties Retired Senior Volunteer Program, better known as RSVP, is holding its second annual service event during its 31st spring fundraiser.

The annual fundraiser, which includes carnival rides, music and food, is taking place May 5-8 at Mills Park.

A Day of Service will be held May 7 from 1-5 p.m. and focus on veterans with veterans’ organizations there to provide information on their services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Nevada Management Recruiting, Reno Vet Center, Sierra Nevada Bluestar Mothers, VA Mobile Vet Center, Veterans Guest House, Veterans Resource Centers of America, and Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center will all take part.

Carson City Senior Citizens Center, Empty Bowls, and Friends in Service Helping will also be there.

“It’s a way for people to learn more about the resources in the region and about RSVP,” said RSVP Executive Director and CEO Susan Haas. “We provide volunteer opportunities and fantastic services.”

The fair will include a DJ, McClain’s Mobile Music and DJ, and karaoke.

Food vendors will include Polkadot Confections, Tacos El Tio, and Off Da Rocc 808 Hawaiian barbecue.

Other booths are clothing vendors Bridger Mountain and Trends, Scentsy waxes and oils, and Jewels by Joann.

Wold Amusements Carnival is providing the rides. Tickets will be $30 for all-day ride passes, but at its booth RSVP will be handing out a $5 discount coupon.

The Salute to Spring hours are 5-10 p.m. May 5; 4-10 p.m., May 6; noon to 10 p.m., May 7; and noon to 8 p.m., May 8.

The fundraiser is one of three events RSVP holds annually. The organization provides a broad range of services to homebound and low income seniors as well as coordinates a network of 207 active volunteers, both seniors and younger people, who provide all kinds of service in the community.

For its July 4 event, RSVP is launching a gofundme.com page to raise $9,000 to cover the costs of the city’s fireworks display.

Donations can also be made at the organization’s web site, www.nevadaruralrsvp.org.