Community briefs

Carson City

Motorcar rides Wednesday at railroad museum

The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City hosts a special run of the 1926 Edwards Motor Car in celebration of the Independence Day, on July 4. The motor car will run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Edwards Railway Motor Car Co. was formed in the early 1920s by Harry P. Edwards to construct gasoline-powered railcars, or "doodlebugs" as they were commonly called. The cars were marketed primarily for shortline and branchline service.

"The Edwards Motor Car is less well-known than some of our steam powered engines," said Frank Ackerman, curator of education. "The motor car is fun to ride, and it's a unique experience to travel in a railcar that propels itself rather than being pulled by an engine."

Traditionally, the Nevada State Railroad Museum celebrates Independence Day by putting under steam the Virginia and Truckee Railroad's famous Inyo locomotive. July 4th weekend is typically the only time of the year that the Inyo runs.

For information, please contact John Frink, 687-6953.

Indian taco sale to benefit Nevada Day powwow

An Indian taco sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Carson Colony Gymnasium, 2900 S. Curry St.

Deliveries will be made for orders of five tacos or more.

Tacos are $5, fry bread $2, bowl of beans $3, soda $1, water 50 cents; and a $1 discount for seniors.

For information or orders, call 530-4239.

Douglas County

Noted fiddle group plays at event

This year's Carson annual Fourth of July Pops in the Park event will include the "Saline Fiddlers," a group of high school musicians from Saline, Mich. The Fiddlers have been touring the country for the past 14 years for 900 performances, including three at the White House and three at Kennedy Center in New York City. These musicians may be seen in action at salinefiddlers.com

Wednesday will be the culmination of the group's first trip to the western United States. Sponsored by the Sierra Philharmonic League, the group will also present a "fiddle" workshop from 3-5:30 p.m. today in the Genoa Town Hall. Upper-level participants will be invited to play several selections with the fiddlers at the July Fourth concert.

The workshop is open to string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) with two or more years of experience. The workshop is free, but since enrollment is limited, those interested should preregister by phoning John O'Neill at 267-3495. While the workshop is geared to student musicians, adults will also be accepted if there is room.

Douglas libraries closed for holiday

The Douglas County Public Library in Minden and Zephyr Cove will be closed Wednesday for Independence Day. The libraries will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Call 782-9841 or 588-6411.

Virginia City

Spectacular July Fourth planned on the Comstock

The annual Fourth of July Spectacular features a large, traditional patriotic parade, a free concert and a sensational fireworks display.

Parade begins at noon with the lineup at 11 a.m. at the Fourth Ward School. The parade will feature the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band, Scouting and 4-H clubs, veterans groups, equestrian groups and more.

To enter the parade, call 847-4768 for a parade form, or e-mail your entry to comstockwriter@yahoo.com or fill out the form at www.virginiacitynews.com. Include your name, address and phone number and a brief description of your entry for the parade announcers.

Late entries are still welcome and will be placed at the end of the parade.

After the parade there will be live music in most local saloons; the train and trolley will be running and the museums will be open. Stop at the Visitors Center to get a Silver Line Express Pass and tour the town. There will be face painting, fun give-aways and historical characters roaming the streets.

At 6 p.m., David John and the Comstock Cowboys will perform a free Second Amendment Celebration Concert at the Delta Saloon parking lot in the center of town.

Following the concert will be a spectacular fireworks display, longer even than the 25-minute 2006 version put on by Lantis Fireworks.

For information, call (775) 847-4FUN or (800) 718-SLVR (7587).