A day of Patriotic events

F allon will show its red, white and blue on the Fourth of July with a plethora of activities planned from morning to night.

The annual Fourth of July parade through Fallon kicks off the day’s events beginning at 10 a.m.

This year’s grand marshal is Karla Kent, a fourth-generation Nevadan and owner of Kent’s Supply, a business that has served the community for more than 130 years. At a very young age, Kent took an interest in her family’s business.

Kent is extensively involved with the community. She served as Fallon Rotary President two years ago and has now taken an interest in restoring the iconic Fallon Theaters.

It was fitting for her to be this year’s grand marshal.

“I am honored to be chosen grand marshal for Fallon’s Fourth of July parade,” she said. “I am thankful our forefathers created a country in which a young girl from Fallon could grow up to become a business owner and grand marshal. There are very few places in the world where that is possible.”

Additionally, Kent said she’s grateful to the men and who have served in the military since 1776 who have kept the citizens free for 239 years.

Natalie Parrish, executive director of the Fallon Chamber of Commerce, said she received 49 applications, many with multiple entries.

“It’s going to be fun to honor America,” Parrish said.

After the parade at 10:30 a.m., a family day at the Churchill County Fairgrounds begins.

“It’s looking pretty good,” said Danny Gleich, recreation supervisor for the Churchill County Parks and Recreation. “We have three bands playing music all day long, and there will be a wide variety of food, games and a watermelon-eating contest.”

Gleich said the three musicians scheduled to play in the pavilion are John Underwood, Alex “Muddy” Smith and Elspeth Summers.

In between the music, Gleich said the watermelon-eating contest is a favorite for children and adults. He said the Churchill County 4-H agreed to run the crafts and games.

After family day at the fairgrounds, the engines will roar at Rattlesnake Raceway for its annual Fourth of July race and fireworks show.

Racing begins at 6 p.m., and fireworks should ignite the Nevada sky at 9:15 p.m. The grandstands open earlier in the day at 2 p.m.

The action at Rattlesnake includes Kart and points racing.

Sponsors of the fireworks display are Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers, Fallon Auto Mall, Fallon Lawnmower and Chainsaw, Fallon Airmotive, Depot Casino, Big R and Fallon Trap Club. VIP sponsors include Summit Racing-Reno and Security Finance.