Two state fairs set to bring fun and nostalgia to western Nevada

Reno, Nev. (KOLO) -Two fairs in two locations with both aiming to honor the Silver State’s history.

Starting June 11, Mills Park in Carson City hosts its tenth annual fair. At the same time, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and the Nevada State Fairgrounds will launch its first fair in more than 15 years. The event is reviving a tradition tied to what organizers call the longest-running annual event in Nevada history, dating back to 1874.

Both event organizers say they’re paying tribute to the state’s legacy, but in Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture says theirs is a more traditional fair experience. However, there is a price to get in and parking fees later in the day.

Ciara Ressel with the official Nevada State Fair say that, under NRS 551, the Nevada Department of Agriculture is the only entity that can host the “State Fair of Nevada.” They say their programming is built around nostalgia from past fairs, including youth agriculture programs like the Nevada Junior Livestock Show and 4-H.

Meanwhile, the fair in Carson City is free to attend and will feature carnival rides along with deep-fried favorites among other vendors. On June 13, there will be an area of businesses run by children.

There won’t be concerts or livestock in Carson City, but organizers say the four-day event will continue its mission: honoring Nevada’s history.