The not-so mean one, Mr. Grinch, to appear at Silver & Snowflakes Festival

The small-hearted Mr. Grinch will once again try to hide his grinchy self as he plays little tricks on students singing their holiday songs heralding the advent of the holiday season.

He’ll be waiting in the wings as Santa (Tom Bragg) tries to steal the show when, on cue, that white-beard man clad in red comes down the Capitol steps as the children sing “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

But, the Grinch knows who the real star is, as he slithers amongst the kids and the VIPs when the teachers cue the kids to sing the upbeat rendition of “Feliz Navidad.” He knows he is “mean and hairy and smelly, and his hands are cold and clammy,” but he also knows the many think he is “kinda sweet.”

The Grinch was introduced as part of the program in 2017 and was an instant success and has appeared ever since portrayed by various actors donning a green, hairy costume.

This year’s Grinch says he is the “true Grinch” as he is told by his family, so he sees himself as the perfect Grinch.

Sorry, we are sworn to secrecy and can’t reveal his true identity until after his Dec. 1 appearance. He wants to surprise his family who currently have no idea that he will now have the opportunity to show his unapologetically true grinchy self.

We can, however, reveal a few clues: He is a well-respected actor who has appeared in various Western Nevada Musical Theater musical productions as well as performing more serious gigs for the Wild Horse Stage Co., receiving accolades for his various performances. One critic referred to his character portrayal as “towering and frantic,” which is what most of us would think of as the true nature of the Grinch before his heart grew and grew.

The Grinch and Santa will be available for photos after 6:15 p.m. at McFadden Plaza following the performance. We promise you won’t find this Grinch “misanthropic, ill-natured, and mean-tempered.”

SILVER & SNOWFLAKES FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, Dec. 1

Carson Street will be closed from 3:30-8 p.m. between Robinson and Fifth streets.

Curry and Stewart streets will remain open.

• 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free electric sleigh rides
• 5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony at the state Capitol grounds featuring 400 Carson City fifth grade music students
• 6 p.m. State tree lighting; all of Carson Street is lit up
• 6:15-8 p.m. Festivities continue in the downtown
  • Free electric sleigh rides until 7 p.m.
  • Photos with Santa & Grinch @ McFadden Plaza
  • Hot cocoa - Holiday with a Hero fundraiser.
  • Two locations: City Hall & McFadden Plaza
  • CCSO Car 54 & Warren Engine Co., fire engine on display on Carson Street
  • The Hilltop Church Rock Band plays upbeat holiday tunes on a flatbed on Carson Street

Caroling at the McFadden Plaza Stage:
6:15-6:45 p.m. Carson High School choir
6:45-7:15 p.m. Carson City Symphony Youth Chorus & Chamber Singers
7:15- 7:45 p.m. Sierra Lutheran High School choir
Caroling through the downtown at various locations including restaurants

The Alatte Coffee and Wine Deli at the Carson Nugget will be serving free hot cocoa from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday. 

8 p.m. Carson Street reopens