People watching, food, and the parade among favorite events at Nevada Day celebration

The Nevada Day Parade is an event many locals hold dear to their hearts, with memory after memory preserved.

But with a schedule full of happenings every year, what keeps drawing people back to the festivities? We asked people what their favorite part of Nevada Day is through Nevada Appeal’s Facebook and Instagram, and conducted a poll on Twitter.

From the beard contest, to the parade, from people watching to the chili contest, here are the top 10 things that keep the memories rolling year after year, according to Northern Nevada locals:

1. “All of it. You don’t experience a true Nevada Day without all (the events) listed. I miss Bertha and Tina and Cecil. They are what we all looked forward to seeing in the parade growing up!” - Natalie Pieretti

2. “The POWWOW!” - Wicincala He Ceciya Roach.

3. “The pancake breakfast at the Masonic Lodge. Starts the day off right!” - Holly Wilberg Hewit Edis.

4. “The chili break and bluegrass music, and the morning sunshine.” - Cindy Macall.

5. “School bands.” - Dave Kidder.

6. “All of it but the parade is the best and watching the children.” - Loretta A. Roche.

7. “The parade, Rock Drilling, people watching, and seeing old friends that I never see EXCEPT on Nevada Day!” - Emily Mathews.

8. “All of it. My last one was in 2000.” - Jamie Travis.

9. “The parade, the food, tailgating, people watching, and the Nevada Day Classic Run!” - Lisa Lucas.

10. “The food!” - Sara Bingham

What is your favorite part about Nevada Day celebration?

From our followers on Twitter @nevadaappeal:

With 14 votes, 57 percent of followers said they’re more excited about the tailgating and food, while 43 percent voted for the parade overall.

Through the poll at nevadaappeal.com:

Asking the same question, the top three events people voted for were the parade (55 percent), people watching (40 percent), and the hot air balloon launch (5 percent), over the contests and tailgating.

What food and drink do you enjoy while tailgating and watching the Nevada Day parade?

“Hot chocolate and Indian tacos.” - Loretta A. Roche.

“Bloody Mary’s and chicken wings.” - Stacie Wilke.

“Ginger beer and a Centro Market burrito.” - Kim Sadowski

“Bloody Mary’s.” - Karina Leal.

“Coors Light.” - Anthony Gayner.