VIRGINIA CITY -Virginia City's place in the history books of Nevada reads like a great novel, one that continues to write itself especially during significant milestones. Nevada's sesquicentennial is no exception and Virginia City isn't taking a back seat in the festivities. Events taking place Friday, Oct. 31 include a V&T train ride to the Gold Hill Depot, the unveiling of Steven Saylor's original painting of governors and elected officials, the Virginia City Statehood Parade, a safe trick or treat and the Nevada 150 Masquerade Ball.
Virginia City is the town that made it happen. In fact in 1864, silver was pouring in from the hills in and around the town, at the time the most populated city in Nevada. The silver helped fund the Civil War and influenced President Abraham Lincoln to admit Nevada as the 36th state in the union on Oct. 31, 1864 thereby officially establishing the "Battle Born" state.
The celebration of Nevada's statehood includes four events taking place on Oct. 31.
• Portrait Unveiling Ceremony and Reception from 3 - 5 p.m., $30: Be part of the unveiling of Steven Saylor's portrait, "Nine Cheers for the Silver State." The painting takes its name from the Gold Hill Daily News headline from Oct. 31, 1864 and depicts the moment the news of statehood reached Virginia City. Nevada governors, elected officials, first ladies and directors of the Comstock Foundation are pictured. Take the V&T train to the Gold Hill Depot for the unveiling and reception. Included in the cost is the train ride, champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres. The event and reproduction painting sales benefit the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, an organization charged with the restoration and promotion of the Comstock Historic District, a national landmark.
• Virginia City Statehood Parade starts at 5:30 p.m., free: The evening parade down C Street, the town's main drag, is expected to be the largest parade in the state on Nevada's actual birthday. Virginia City is making the call to all towns, organizations, counties, groups, schools and bands to join the parade and the official celebration. There is no fee to participate and the deadline for applications is Oct. 30.
• Safe Trick or Treat, starting after the parade, free: Kids in costumes are encouraged to trick or treat on the Comstock starting with a costume contest at 5 p.m. at Comstock Creamery. Kids are then invited to walk as the last parade entry before starting to trick or treat. All shops and merchants will be open late.
• Nevada 150 Masquerade Ball, 7 p.m., $125: Celebrate Nevada's 150 birthday at the historic Piper's Opera House with a step back in time to 1864. Period attire is highly encouraged and can include Victorian era, Civil War, Steampunk, formal western or perhaps costumes reminiscent of Jack Skellington of the "Nightmare Before Christmas." Ticket includes meet and greet with dignitaries before the ball, champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres, live music and dancing. Tickets are limited.
An all-inclusive ticket is available for $150 and includes the portrait unveiling ceremony, train ride and reception and the Nevada 150 Masquerade Ball.
Complete ticket information, parade forms and general information is available online at NV150Ball.com. For questions contact the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at visitorinfo@storeycounty.org or call (775) 847-7500.[[In-content Ad]]
