Plans for the celebration of the 150th year of what has long been known as the 96 Ranch in Paradise Valley, Nev., have been ongoing for more than a year.
Now that the Stewart family is in the final days before the 'party of a lifetime', Aug. 3 - 9, everything is coming together.
"A few folks have dropped out, a few things have changed, but we are moving forward with the following in mind - just keep it cool and we'll make it through," said Kris Stewart, who's been at the forefront of arranging the celebration.
Stewart said many people have stepped up and offered their help and they've been thrilled to take advantage of the offers, which will make it a "community celebration and endeavour." Stewart said Blake Duncan, Paradise Valley FFA president is the volunteer coordinator.
No question the sesquicentennial party is an ambitious undertaking, with events spanning a week. Winnemucca's Convention and Visitor's Authority and Humboldt County have assisted with financing, recognizing that the number of out-of-town visitors already signed-up to attend the event will bring business pay-back for their investment.
A good-size chunk of 96 Ranch money has gone into the pot as well.
The 96 Ranch Sesquicentennial celebration is listed on the state's sesquicentennial events calendar as a "signature event" with details and a connection to the ranch website for more details including a history of the ranch, founded by German immigrant William (Wilhelm) Stock in 1864. And 150 years later, it is still owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of William Stock's direct descendants.
"We believe it is very important to tell good news stories about ranching in our state and agriculture, as a positive and sustainable way of life," said Stewart of the motivation for all of the work and money that's gone into the celebration.
"We made a point of working with one of our federal land management agencies (USFS) on one of our events, because we want to show that mainstream Nevada ranchers work with federal managers and together, we strive to meet our goals and be positive stewards of this land we share."
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