ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS

Area artists display

The Rising Sun Gallery and Art Studios at 203 S. Maine St., will feature the work of four area artists from Monday through April 27.

Painter Tom Jackson is inspired by a number of Wildlife and Landscape Artists. Acrylic and oil artist, Rita McFadden has received various awards for her miniatures. Edna Van Leuven’s artistry is shown in her crewel embroidery designs. Matthew Tholl switched his major and has been taking photographs in the surrounding area ever since.

For information, call Patricia Sammons, Managing Director at 775-294-4135.

Chili and Comstock

Virginia City’s 30th annual Chili on the Comstock returns to the historic town May 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Taking place along C Street, the historic town’s main drive, the event promises all the favorite flavors and brings a new Fireball Crawl, live music and family friendly activities.

The two-day event hosts around 40 of the best chili cookers in the west competing for a spot in the International Chili Society (ICS) World Finals later this year in Las Vegas. Competitors start from scratch on Saturday morning and a winner is picked for each day.

There is also a people’s choice award with winners receiving cash and “Virginia City-style” prizes.

For information on Virginia City and the 30th Annual Chili on the Comstock, visit www.visitvirginiacitynv.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.

Take mom for a train ride

This Mother’s Day, give mom a window seat back in time with a tour of the Wild West aboard the Virginia and Truckee Railroad on May 12.

This special edition train ride from Nevada’s capital, Carson City, to the 1860s boom-era mining town of Virginia City, will provide Mom with a long stem rose, Old West history, storytelling, shopping and dining in Virginia City to go along with the spectacular scenery.

The ride features scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada with engines passing through two tunnels, abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries along countryside where sightings of wild mustangs are routine.

The V&T Railroad’s 16 miles of track reopened in August 2009 after 70 years of non-operation.

The Mother’s Day train features a 1953 ALCO heritage diesel locomotive leading 100 year-old Pullman coaches. Tickets are $35 for adults, $31 seniors and $20 for children ages 3-16. Toddlers and infants are free when they sit on a parent’s lap. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vtrailway.com or 877-724-5007.

The V&T season begins May 25 when round-trip steam trains begin full operation. Weekend trains feature a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 or a 1914 Baldwin-Built Mikado 2-8-2 steam engine leading three 1914 Pullman cars.

Private group discounted charters for 20 or more passengers are also available.

Trains depart Carson City to Virginia City on Saturday and Sundays at 10 a.m. Tickets are $48 per adult, $42 for veterans and seniors 65-plus, $28 for children ages 3 to 16 and toddlers and infants are free.

The V&T offers a variety of ticket options and packages.

Beginning May 25, one-way steam train rides commence from Virginia City to Carson City on Saturdays and Carson City to Virginia City on Sundays for $29 per adult, $25 for veterans and seniors, $18 for children. These trips are especially good for history buffs looking for overnight stays who wish to explore both of the historic cities.

Round-trips on the V&T diesel trains start June 7 and run every Friday. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 veteran and seniors and $19 for children.

One-way diesel trains running Fridays are $21 for adults, $20 veterans and seniors and $15 for children.

In addition to the V&T’s Carson City-Virginia City Sisters in History 16-mile excursion, a 4-mile, 35-minute Historic Route loop through Virginia City and Gold Hill is offered. The V&T initially re-opened the Historic Route in 1972 under the ownership of the Gray family who have preserved the railway’s heritage. With their help, the reconstruction project between Virginia City and Carson City become a reality for future generations. For Historic Route schedule and ticket prices visit www.virginiatruckee.com or call 775-847-0380.

The Carson City passenger station is at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East, and has a gift shop with various V&T souvenirs to keep the memories rolling. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com or call (877) 724-5007.

County musician Clay Walker’s date in Winnemucca

Tickets are on sale for country music superstar Clay Walker on August 31 at Winnemucca’s event center.

The big-name concert will headline this year’s Tri-County Fair & Stampede; tickets are available at www.winnemucca.com.

This is the second year the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority has sponsored a Labor Day concert. Last year, country music singer Jake Owen played for area crowds; WCVA Director Kim Petersen is banking that Walker will have the same draw.

“We really appreciated the fantastic support we received last year for the Jake Owen concert,” he said, “and we’re hoping to see the same outpouring for this year’s event.”

Clay Walker first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with “What’s It to You” and followed with his second consecutive No. 1 hit, “Live Until I Die.” Since then he’s placed 31 titles on Billboard’s singles chart.