Historic Carson ornaments available now

The Carson City Redevelopment Authority has, for the fifth year in a row, released its annual ornament.

The 2007 bauble features the former St. Teresa of Avila chapel, now the Brewery Arts Performance Hall.

For some, the ornaments do more than decorate, they bring back memories.

"This year is particularly special," said Teri Basa, owner of Sugar Pine Cove, one of several local retailers carrying the ornament. "My children went there, so I love that. I've sold them here since they've started, and people absolutely love them. They're a beautiful quality, and they've really taken off the past couple years."

Indeed, the ornaments - which retail for $15 are limited annually to a run of 1,500 - seem to grow more popular every year, said Robin Williamson, spokeswoman for the redevelopment authority and creator of the ornaments.

"The whole idea has always been to try to develop something to celebrate our heritage and be an attraction for downtown businesses to offer," she said. "I think it's caught on."

Caught on is an understatement, said Basa, who said she's starting to get preorders for ornaments from "farther and farther away" each year.

"I start getting calls about a month before (the ornament's) release," she said.

"As soon as we get 'em, we ship 'em. This year we sent one as far as Pittsburgh.

"I think people are interested in Carson's history; others may have moved away but want a piece of home."

Any money raised from the ornaments above the wholesale cost goes toward creation of next year's, Williamson said.

"We've got a lot to showcase downtown, and we're glad people have embraced the idea," she said.

The ornaments are available at the Purple Avocado, 904 N. Curry St.; Sugar Pine Cove, 1087 S. Carson St.; Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau shop, 1900 S. Carson St.; Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.; Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St.; and the gift shop at the Legislature Building.

See the ornaments

EVENT: Old Town Carson City Wine Walk

When: Today 1-5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Carson City

What: Merchants will open their doors with holiday cheer; historic Carson ornaments available for purchase will be accompanied by food, music and entertainment for holiday shoppers.