Silver State birthday

While Nevada’s birthday falls on Oct. 31, the party takes place the following day with myriad events in Carson City. Celebrate our state’s 139th birthday starting with the Nevada Day parade. This year’s event salutes veterans with a flyover featuring F-18 Hornets and includes floats and marching bands. The parade begins 10 a.m. Nov. 1 and travels south down Carson Street. If parades aren’t your style, check out The World Beard and Moustache Championships, an Oktoberfest-style event featuring beer, bratwurst, German music and some of the gnarliest beards and moustaches you’ll ever see. The contest starts 3 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. Admission is $25 for contestants and $10 for spectators. Brush up on our state’s history with a trip to the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., where the admission fee will be waived in honor of Nevada Day. Finally, ride aboard vintage V&T Railroad equipment at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St. Rides depart every 40 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $4 adults and $2 ages 6 to 11. For more Nevada Day information, call 882-2600 or visit www.nevadaday.com.