CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) – Nevadans are celebrating the Silver State’s 160th birthday Saturday, six days before the state’s official founding anniversary on Oct. 31.
The holiday is dedicated to celebrating the resilience of Nevadans through years of hardship. It’s also a chance for people to reminisce.
Nevada is one of only two states in America to celebrate its founding anniversary. Alaska is the other.
“The farmers, they created this town. The cattle and pony express passed through here. That’s where it all started,” said a gentleman who works at Cactus Jack’s casino.
“This is a picture of me in the parade 52 years ago,” said Danny Fay, who says he travels to Carson City every year. “Four years ago, my friend said, ‘You know it’s our 50th anniversary. You have to come here. I’ve been going down ever since.
People are already lining up their chairs. “I don’t mind. First come, first served,” said Fay, who works at Cactus Jack’s Casino. “A lot of them come a few days before. There were chairs here yesterday. Save a good spot for the parade, which will begin on Saturday morning. “People are proud here. Very proud.”
Business owners expect business to boom over the weekend. They prepared their storefronts for festivities.
“I’ve been to the Nevada parade and I see how everyone just loves donuts. Especially from Donuts to Go. Tomorrow when I work here I am so nervous because it will be very busy. I’m excited, but I’m nervous,” said Jenny Pacheco, Donuts To Go employee.
The store is a major part of the local community and is gearing up for the big day. “The owners will be here, they usually start at midnight, but today they will be here tonight around 10 p.m.,” Pacheco said. “We’re going to do some more baking. They prepared all the things for baking, everything was ready for work. We are all stocked with all our jellies that we fill our donuts with and all the flour. We make sure all the boxes are there and our people are on time. That’s what’s important.” Pacheco said they will also have more staff than usual to handle the large influx.
The parade starts at 10am on Saturday.
Copyright 2024 KOLO. All rights reserved.