The fun way to ride out Mother's Day

Jami Hawkins, of Carson City, got a unique Mother's Day present Sunday. It's what she asks for every year from her husband, Jason - she wants to go to the carnival.

"She likes the rides, and I don't, so we always come during Mother's Day," Jason Hawkins said.

Attending the carnival in Mills Park has become a tradition for the Hawkins family, though now they spend more time on the kids' rides with their 3-year-old son, Justin.

Ericka Ricci drove from Lovelock to take her mom to the carnival. A mother herself, Ricci thought it would be fun for three generations to spend some time together.

"It was Mother's Day, and I thought she needed a day off from stress. I thought she just needed to have a little fun," Ricci said.

After a couple of adult rides for just Ericka and her mom, Darlene, they took Ericka's daughter, Destiny, to the merry-go-round.

For the 21st year, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program kicked off the outdoor season with a Spring Fun Fair in Mills Park. The fair began Thursday and concluded Sunday with moms riding free on the holiday.

Jessica Sterkel brought her 2-year-old nephew James to the fair Sunday while his parents were out of town camping for the weekend.

James enjoyed playing the games on the midway, but was a little hesitant to go on the rides.

"He hasn't gone on any of the rides; he's so scared of them," Sterkel said. "He's just a shy little guy."

The carnival is run by Inland Empire Shows, a Missoula, Mont.-based company, with rides like the Zipper, the Sea Ray and the Tilt-o-Whirl. The carnival also included almost 30 vendors selling a variety of products.

All proceeds from the fair go to support the RSVP's Home Companion and Lifeline programs. The programs are designed to assist homebound seniors remain independent and in their own homes.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.