Traditions have a way of traveling full circle. Many locals came of age at the annual party in the courthouse park, Lovelock Frontier Days. It’s set to begin its 51st season.
Perhaps, as kids, they hula-hooped in the talent show or raced bicycles down Elmhurst Avenue. Maybe they arm wrestled or rode the rides, swinging high above their rural town and dreaming of the future.
Today, as adults, they watch their children or grandchildren hula-hoop on the makeshift stage. Romances begin. Bonds of family and friendship grow stronger. And sometimes, dreams come true.
Lovelock celebrates Frontier Days this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-4. The parade proceeds from the community center to the courthouse park on Saturday, Aug. 3, beginning at 10 a.m.
“I’ve been attending Frontier Days since I was very young,” said Rob Allen, 42, (PCHS Class of 1995). “It was one thing I looked forward to all year. When I began this musical journey, it was always on my mind to perform in front of my home town — whether they liked me or not — whether they liked my music or not.”
Last year Allen realized his dream. And the Lovelock crowd responded so well he’s back again as DC Red to lead the 2019 lineup of live entertainment. All shows are free to the public. Look for the guy in the red face paint on Friday evening around 5 p.m. He’ll perform a mix of rap, hip-hop and metal.
Allen chose his stage name,
DC Red, to reflect the two places that hold center stage in his life — his birthplace, Washington DC, and his adopted hometown, Lovelock. The red paint nods to one of the colors of his alma mater, PCHS.
“My goal has always been to inspire,” he says. “No matter how young or old you are, follow your dreams. Believe in yourself and work hard. Reach for the stars.”
Pastor Verna Vetter, from New Life Fellowship Church, also seeks to inspire. On Sunday morning from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. the Cowboy Church returns for its second year under the elms of the courthouse park.
The Cowboy Church will present a praise and worship band, Momentum, led by Lee Trefethen.
“We love them,” says Vetter. “Last year was a blast.” After the music, comes the spoken message.
“Each year we will feature a different Lovelock pastor,” says Vetter. This year it’s Vetter’s turn “to share about 15 minutes from God’s word.”
“Hopefully we can have the same band again next year or bring one from a local church,” she adds.
Frontier Days promotes music for almost every taste. The Comstock Sweetheart, Makayla Taylor, plays after DC Red’s show on Friday at 6 p.m. Taylor favors country classics along the lines of Patsy Cline.
The Sierra Sweethearts, a bluegrass band, play on Friday at 8 p.m. They pack a fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.
On Saturday at 5 p.m. Arizona Jones puts a rock spin on rhythm and blues from the sixties and seventies.
Silverwing follows at 8 p.m. They describe themselves as “a rocking country band,” that plays both current and classic tunes.
The Alpha Omega Fellowship will deejay throughout the weekend.
The Lovelock Frontier Days Bloodmobile hopes people are inspired to stop by for a visit. They’ll be in front of the library on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
