Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Why do you love Carson Valley?



Show Us Why You Love Carson Valley with the #WhyCV Photo Contest! 



Visit Carson Valley and Carson Valley Times (CVT) are proud to announce #WhyCV – a photo storytelling contest.




We’re looking for your version of why Carson Valley holds a special place in your heart.

Let your images tell the stories. Show the memories. Or, describe the quirks about this legendary place we all treasure. Check out our Facebook page to vote for your favorite image.

Prizes are awarded for: Best Picture, Runner up, and People’s Choice.

Submit your photo(s) between June 1-12, 2017.

Voting for People’s Choice on Facebook will be June 14-19, 2017.

Winner’s will be announced June 20th, 2017.



The Fine Print

By posting or emailing your photo to us, you are submitting your formal entry for the #WhyCV contest as well as giving Visit Carson Valley and Carson Valley Times permission to use the photo in social media and print.

Please make sure you have the express permission of any people in the photo to be publicly displayed.

How to submit your photo:

Like Visit Carson Valley and Carson Valley Times on Facebook. Then post your image to either page. Make sure you tell us it is for the contest by using the #whyCV hashtag, and any fun details like where/when the photo was taken (even why the photo is special to you).

You can also email your photo to discover@visitcarsonvalley.org

Have #WhyCV in the subject line, along with any fun details.

Good luck and let’s see your creative juices flow!


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Upcoming Arts & Entertainment


Each year the Carson Valley Arts Council brings an amazing assortment of world renowned performers. And this year is no exception.

In April you will be delighted by The Young Irelanders. The Irish Cultural Academy chooses new band members every year to perform Irish traditional music, song, and dance the world over. Each of the 20-30 year olds are national and world champions in their disciplines. 




This year The Young Irelanders are:

Eoghan O Ceannabhain – Flute, Concertina & Vocals
Jayne Pomplas
Fiddle
Laura Callaghan – Banjo & Vocals
Barry Lyons – Bodhràn, Guitar & Vocals
Hugh Kennedy
Accordion
Ian Kinsella – Guitar & Vocals
Joe Duffey – Dancer
Ayla Reid – Dancer

Date: April 7 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tickets: $24.00
Venue: CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave Minden, NV 89423
Phone: 775-782-8207
Email: info@cvartscouncil.com

Website: www.cvartscouncil.com




The Bills are an extraordinary quintet renowned for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements, evocative songwriting, and refreshing sound transcending musical boundaries.
 


Strings, bellows, keys, voices, skin and bows are the vehicles for The Bills’ unique musical approach. The Bills truly are a Canadian acoustic music super-group, and their combined creative studio talent and explosive live shows have made them legendary folk/roots entertainers. 



Date: May 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tickets: $24.00
Venue: CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave Minden, NV 89423
Phone: 775-782-8207
Email: info@cvartscouncil.com
Website: www.cvartscouncil.com

Carson Valley Arts Association at the CVAC

The Carson Valley Art Association announces the opening of their art show, March 6, at the Copeland Gallery in Minden. The show runs March 6 through May 4. 



Nancy Bargmen - Cattle
The Carson Valley Art Association (CVAA) is a group of about 50 local artists, who use a variety of mediums. Objectives of the club include:
  • Developing a high standard of art among the members
  • Presenting to the public, free of charge, the best work of its members in various exhibits
  • Supporting young artists in the area by offering educational scholarships
Date: March 6, 2017 – May 4, 2017
Venue: Carson Valley Arts Council Copeland Building
1572 Hwy 395 Minden, NV 89423
Phone: 775-782-8207
Website: www.cvartscouncil.com

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Get Involved with the Amgen Women's Race!

Mark your calendars and come check out this world class event Friday, May 12, 2017. “We're thrilled to announce the Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease ™ Women's Race empowered with SRAM cycling competition will include Carson Valley this year” stated Jan Vandermade (Executive Director with the Carson Valley Visitors Authority). On this entirely new route, the world's top female athletes will tackle a 67.1-mile course including State Route 89 over Luther Pass (the highest peak attempted in race history). The route further descends through Hope Valley, then heads west through Carson Valley on Foothill Road. The entire race could be won or lost while trekking up the race’s steepest climb - Kingsbury Grade - and finally a swift winding descent back to South Lake Tahoe! 

Amgen Women's Race Stage 2 Route
The Carson Valley Visitors Authority is a participating sponsor for Stage 2 this year working alongside the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, leading to a natural synergy between the lake and valley. Quality exposure for our destination will be generated through press, social media and other travel/news sources.

There are several ways for you to consider getting involved.

Volunteers - volunteers are needed to help out along the race route.

Track side energy – spectators are encouraged along the route (Kingsbury will likely be where the race is either won or lost and a great spot to watch).

View of Foothill Rd. from above
Special event tied to race – if you’re part of a social club or other non profit group, consider organizing a separate bike oriented event around the same time frame to draw more attention to the great ride possibilities in our valley and to tie in with the bigger news and promotion being generated by AMGEN and the race organizers AEG.

Presentation - With advance notice (and subject to availability), one or more of the competitors may be available to come and speak to an assembly/group (within the week prior as they come to scout out the course).

Other ideas - any other creative activities and tie-ins are welcome.

If you’d like to volunteer to help out during Stage 2 or if you have other event related ideas you’d like to discuss, please contact Jan Vandermade. Visit Carson Valley Visitors Office - 775.782.8145. To learn more about the event go to the CVVA blog,

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

ROUTES ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA TAHOE TO HOST WOMEN’S STAGES 1 & 2

The Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease™ Women's Race empowered with SRAM stages at Lake Tahoe will highlight the myriad of reasons the destination has been chosen repeatedly as a featured venue. The first two days of the women’s competition, which runs May 11-14, will include iconic vistas along the 72-mile circumference of the lake; the highest summit in race history at Luther Pass; and the debut of Daggett Pass along Kingsbury Grade state Route 207.

Amgen Race Stage 2 Route


The race is sanctioned by Union Cycliste International, denoting the highest level for a nonWorld Cup event. Race presenter AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, announced today the routes that will challenge the world’s top female cyclists in Lake Tahoe. The Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women's Race empowered with SRAM will include the overall start (May 11) and Stage 2 (May 12) on consecutive days. The competition will continue with Stage 3 in Elk Grove (May 13) and the finale in Sacramento (May 14) as the seven-day men’s Amgen Tour of California begins.

Stage 1 presented by Breakaway from Heart Disease™ is one of the most beautiful race routes in the USA, circumnavigating the 72-mile shoreline of Lake Tahoe clockwise starting at Heavenly Mountain Resort, passing through South Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay and Tahoe City. As the athletes reach the north shore of Lake Tahoe, they will enter Nevada and ride through Incline Village with panoramic views of the east shore and Sand Harbor State Park. The stage will feature two sprints, 5,300’ of elevation gain and two Queen of the Mountain (QOM) challenges where riders vie for a separate jersey by completing the climbs in the lowest cumulative time. The final stretch will be a brutal ascent back to the finish at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Spectators can expect a select group of competitors fighting their way to the finish with riders coming in over the next 5-10 minutes trying to build a gap before going into Stage 2.

Carson Valley's Foothill Rd.
  

 A new racecourse awaits for Stage 2 presented by Visit California as the athletes tackle 67.1 miles and conquer the highest peak in event history. They start at Heavenly Mountain Resort, head west through Meyers (entry town as visitors arrive from Northern California before reaching South Lake Tahoe), and then south on state Route 89 racing over Luther Pass, the tallest peak at 7,740’ summit. Luther is the first of three QOMs for the stage followed by a quick descent while exceeding 50 mph through the spectacular Hope Valley along the Carson River Basin. The course will then take the riders around Washoe Reservation before heading northeast into Carson Valley, Nevada along Hwy 88 before bending west onto state Route 206 Foothill Road with gorgeous views of the Carson Range on the west side. A left turn will take them north on Kingsbury Grade state Route 207, an 8-mile climb that gains 2,700’ in elevation, never attempted in any previous Amgen Tour of California stage. The second QOM peaks at 7,400’. The high speed descent back to South Lake Tahoe will provide beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The third and final QOM for Stage 2 is at the Heavenly Mountain Resort finish line. Fans can expect a group of 5-10 women fighting their way to the end with riders trailing in for 15 minutes.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Range


“We love that the tour continually works with us to provide new challenges for these elite women athletes to showcase Tahoe’s cycling appeal,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “Tahoe South and our partners welcome back the cyclists and anticipate another exhilarating competition.”

“Carson Valley is very excited to partner with Tahoe South for the Amgen Tour” said Jan Vandermade, executive director for the Carson Valley Visitors Authority. “We welcome this opportunity to showcase Carson Valley for the first time to these top world class female riders along with the tours’ avid followers. The stunning views and the steep climb out of our valley will test and impress the best.”


Road Biking

Presented by Visit California, the route announcement includes a visual overview of the 2017 men’s and women’s courses at http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/stages/stage-2-womens.

“The Amgen Tour of California is America's Greatest Race, and this year more than ever, the world will be watching,” said Kristin Klein, race president and executive vice president of AEG Sports. “As the sport of cycling continues to bloom in America, the Amgen Tour of California men’s and women’s events are both part of the UCI WorldTour for the first time, a privilege and designation reserved for the world’s premier races. This means the competition will reach an alltime high, with the best racers and best teams in the world lining up to take part.”

Millions of fans are expected to once again line the racecourse in May to cheer on the elite, international fields that will include Olympians, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Fans will also have opportunities to meet and hear from cycling legends Jens Voigt and Freddie Rodriguez, who will reprise their roles as Race Ambassadors. Kristin Armstrong, the most decorated woman in U.S. cycling history, will join as a first-time Amgen Tour of California Race Ambassador, on the heels of her incredible performance to win her third Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympic Games last summer.

“For more than a decade, the Amgen Tour of California has played a vital role to Golden State travel, both in driving visitation and in focusing the eyes of the international cycling community on diverse destinations beyond the gateways,” says Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Since 2006, Visit California has been thrilled to partner with AEG on this one-of-akind event, which takes riders, spectators and viewers alike on a whirlwind tour that spans sunsoaked beaches, evergreen mountains, and everything in between, further showcasing the immense scope of all that California has to offer.”

For sponsorship or expo opportunities visit amgentourofcalifornia.com/sponsorship.

For real time updates on events, promotions, packages, conditions and events in Carson Valley, Visit Carson Valley is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carsonvalleynevada, Twitter: https://twitter.com/carsonvalleynv, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/VisitCarsonValleyNV, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carsonvalleynevada/ and use #whycv to share posts.
For Carson Valley information: 1-800-727-7677 or http://www.visitcarsonvalley.org/.

Visit Carson Valley Media Contact:
Jan Vandermade
775-782-8145
jan@visitcarsonvalley.org

Amgen Media Contacts: 
Michael Roth, AEG
213-742-7155
mroth@aegworldwide.com 

Josh Levitt, Canvas Blue
213-335-5671
JLevitt@canvasblue.com

About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Set at 6,300 feet, South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two strikingly different worlds: spectacular natural beauty and desirable resort amenities. The combination of outdoor summer activities includes hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, swimming, fishing and boat cruises along with 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment. For information about lodging, recreation and family packages at Lake Tahoe South Shore, call the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, 1- 800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or go to www.TahoeSouth.com.
 
Carson Valley

About Carson Valley
Northern Nevada’s most scenic valley rests at a crossroads of sorts, and is a popular destination for travelers. The valley can be found nestled between the grand rise of the Sierra and the treasured beauty to the east of the Pine Nut Mountains. Whether you’re ready to relax and unplug or get out and roam, Carson Valley is one BIG playground. Explore scenic farms, wide open ranches, world class soaring, historic museum discoveries and more. There’s over 50 miles of biking, hiking and OHV trails to conquer. Lodging ranges from full service casino resorts to hotels to quaint B&B's. Visit us at http://www.visitcarsonvalley.org for more information.

 About the Amgen Tour of California
The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world's top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California's iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning "beyond category"), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com.

The first-ever U.S. UCI WorldTour course will cover more than 575 miles through 12 Host Cities May 14-20, including Sacramento, Modesto, San Jose, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Ontario, Mt. Baldy, Big Bear Lake, Mountain High and Pasadena. The Amgen Breakaway from Heart DiseaseTM Women's Race empowered with SRAM May 11-14 will visit South Lake Tahoe and Elk Grove before concluding in Sacramento as the men’s race gets underway.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world's leading sports venue and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz Arenas; AEG Live, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world's largest operator of sports franchises and highprofile sporting events; and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

Friday, March 3, 2017

First Ever WhyCV Contest Winners

On behalf of the judges and the team here at Carson Valley Visitors Authority, thank you for filling our world with rich images, stories, and video. 

The winning entries, people's choice, and honorable mentions are featured here in this message. You can also read more at the Carson Valley Times. Be sure to see the rest of the WhyCV submissions on our Facebook page, or you can check them out on Flickr.


Every WhyCV participant put a lot of heart and soul into their efforts. Stunning photos, touching videos, and poignant stories powerfully reinforce why we all hold this valley so dear.


Enjoy these submissions and thank you for showing us why you love Carson Valley!


Chris Dickerson, Rugged Judge's Choice Winner

Amber Terhune, Jobs Peak Judge's Choice Winner

Melissa Blosser, Reachable Judge's Choice Winner




 Mark Breedan, Relaxed Judge's Choice Winner

Honorable Mentions: David Morris, Lisa Fisher, Brett Fisher, Alyson Berhend, Alyson Berhend, Carlo Luri, Karis Daphne, Rebecca Pearl, Paige Turnipseed, Chris Dickerson, Amber Terhune, Carolyn Furin, Rebecca Pearl, Melissa Blosser.


People's Choice Winners: Cailin Killian, William Mahoney, David Morris, Lisa Fisher.


Will Lento, Winner of the Written Story


Ten years ago, when I was a boy of no more than eight years, the Carson Valley became my new home. Before I put my bags down here, I had been a city boy. Born on the East Coast in one of the biggest cities in the world. Needless to say, the move was a big change.
Looking back on the past ten years, I reflect on how fortunate I am to have spent my youth growing up in this tiny jewel in the heart of the western United States. My memory is fogged with images of hiking down to the Carson River with my friends and playing on the ice when it would partially freeze over. I recall the drive over Kingsbury Grade, looking out at the stretches of open land and tiny clusters of buildings. I remember visiting the Museum and Cultural Center; the photographs and models that showcased an old and antiquated Carson Valley still dance vividly in my subconscious.
All the way up to graduating from Douglas High School with the always towering Sierra Nevada Mountains in the near distance, I have never been able to overlook the true beauty and divine nature of the place so many of us call home.
The Carson Valley cast a spell on us all, I believe; A charm that entrances any and all who have ever called it home. Whether you have lived here your whole life, or only the past six months, the ethereal beauty of this small Northern Nevada community is sure to have secured itself a special place in your heart for the rest of your days.


Rebecca Pearl, Winning Video

Watch Rebound

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Peak Back: Women in History


Join us as we take a “peak” back to explore the rich history of Carson Valley.

Celebrating Women’s History Month we are highlighting local Basque legend Grace Berhains.
Grace Berhains, photo courtesy of Douglas County Historical Society

Grace was born in Bidarray, France on October 3, 1901. She emigrated to the US as a teenager, not knowing any English. She settled in Gardnerville where she worked in a hotel and as a cook on a ranch. She learned to read, write and speak English fluently, became an American citizen, and went on to own several businesses.

Grace and her family owned the Wellington Bar, in Wellington, NV, and raised two daughters. Known for her cooking, anyone who happened to be there at mealtime wanted to taste her basque-style cooking.

In the years after moving back to Gardnerville in the late 1940’s Grace cooked at the Pyrenees Hotel, Overland Hotel, Carson Valley Country Club and the JT Bar. She was well known throughout the area for her wonderful Basque dinners and trained several locals, who later became skilled cooks in Basque restaurants.
The Overland Restaurant and Bar, and Hotel
Working as a waitress in one of the local Basque restaurants was the first job for many young Carson Valley girls. Grace served as a role model of tenacity, determination and discipline, not only to her daughters and grandchildren but also to these young girls. She always impressed upon them her core values: that everyone was to be treated with kindness and respect regardless of their position in life. She taught them that through hard work and kindness to other people, a woman could achieve success in any endeavor.

Grace was very strong willed. If a customer became rude, loud or unruly, she was the first one out of the kitchen to settle things down. If a customer gave the waitress or any of her grandchildren trouble when they were working, she would immediately show the customer the door.

A hard worker and very organized woman, Grace could cook dinner for 300 people, see that it was properly served, make sure the kitchen and dining room were clean and in order, then walk out of the kitchen with her makeup in tact, not a hair out of place, and a smile on her face for everyone.

Carson Valley has always been known for the strong family ties, hard working ethics and kindness of its people, especially the women.


By Helen Chappell,
Grace’s daughter. 
Original essay submitted to the Douglas County Historical Society.
Edited for length and content.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Top Things to do at the Genoa Cowboy Festival


The annual Genoa Cowboy Festival blends star studded entertainment and Western cowboy heritage with our beautiful mountain and valley setting. Extending over three days, April 28-30, 2017 you get the chance to step back in time, unplug, and experience the old west in
the heart of Carson Valley!

Cowboy shootout

Festivities begin Friday night, April 28, on the main stage with The Quebe Sisters (rhymes with maybe). When these triple-threat fiddle champions start playing and singing in multi-part close harmony, audiences are transfixed, then blown away. Watch their video of Cold Cold Heart.

Dave Stamey will continue the show with his award winning Western music. Cowboys and Indians Magazine has called him “the Charley Russell of Western Music.” Western Horseman Magazine has declared his “Vaquero Song” to be one of the greatest Western songs of all time. In 2010, 2011 and 2013 True West Magazine named him Best Living
Western Solo Musician. 

Dave Stamey
Saturday April 29 brings Mike Beck to the main stage. He is an engaging acoustic solo artist who regularly performs in the United States and Europe. Western Horseman magazine recently picked "The 13 Best Cowboy Songs," and included two compositions by Mike, putting him alongside other writers such as Ian Tyson, Tom Russell, Lucinda Williams, and Gene Autry.

Following Mike, Tom Russell will take the stage. He has recorded 35 acclaimed records, and his songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Naci Griffith, K.D. Lang and many others.

Tom Russell
Saturday and Sunday Daytime Activities
  Historic Chautauqua acts
  Harmonica lessons
  Front Porch Jam Sessions
  Dutch oven cooking classes
  Cowboy Poetry performances by Randy Rieman and Tony Argento
  Ranch Tours
  Star Party at River Fork Ranch


McAvoy Lane as Mark Twain
  Come and connect with the cowboys and cowgirls who live and breathe the old west.

Native American culture demonstration
Get the full entertainment schedule and buy your tickets here.

Don't wait to plan your Genoa stay.

Can’t make it to the festival? Genoa has a lot to offer throughout the year. Click here to learn more about one of Nevada’s oldest towns