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The Letters of Tamsen Donner
By Mark Mclaughlin
Tamsen Donner lost her life 178 years ago, in the harsh Sierra winter of 1846-47. She was a dynamic schoolteacher and the wife of George Donner, the principle organizer of a California-bound wagon train from Illinois. Poor decisions, a lack of leadership, bad advice and an early winter trapped the Donner-led group before they could cross the Sierra and reach the safety of California. More than once during that brutal winter Tamsen
refused an opportunity to escape with rescue parties, but instead chose to stay behind with her husband George, who was seriously ill and could not travel.
Tamzene “Tamsen” Eustis was born into a respected, wealthy family in Newburyport, Mass., November 1, 1801. She enjoyed a happy childhood and her love of books was evidence of a curious mind and foreshadowed a lifelong passion for education. After graduating with her teacher’s certification, she took a job at a school in Maine. Later she was offered a position as an instructor in an academy in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Tamsen was not making enough money to survive economically in Maine, so she decided to take the job.
Though it meant a major upheaval in her life, Tamsen had no doubts about her decision. In a letter to her sister Elizabeth, dated 1824, Tamsen wrote “There is one impression, however, which rises above this huge chaos and presses itself upon my notice [to leave]. It is that the hand of God is remarkably visible in directing
No portraits of Tamsen Donner are known to exist. According to her descendents, Tamsen’s daughter Frances (pictured here) strongly resembled her mother.
Photo Source: Eliza P. Donner Houghton’s The Expedition of the Donner Party, published 1920. Public Domain.
Continued from page 3
By 1829, she was twenty-eight years old and still single, at a time when virtually all women were married by age twenty. But Tamsen Eustis was no spinster. Teaching children was as important as marriage to this educated, articulate young woman. That year, in Camden County, N.C., she met and married Tully Dozier. Apparently, Tamsen had finally found the right man. In one letter she wrote, “I do not intend to boast of my husband, but I find him one of the best of men – affectionate, industrious and possessed of an upright heart, these are requisite to make life pass on smoothly.” Within two years they were the proud parents of a healthy baby boy. Tamsen’s teaching salary combined with Tully’s farming income earned them a comfortable living.
The diminutive schoolteacher was an incredible bundle of energy, “scarce five feet tall and less than one hundred pounds.” One of her friends described Tamsen Donner as the “perfect type of eastern lady, kind, sociable and
exemplary, ever ready to assist neighbors and even strangers in distress.”
Life for Tamsen seemed pleasant enough, but frequent winter fevers and widespread epidemics constantly threatened her family’s health. She mentioned that her little boy “has been very sick, and for a few days we feared we should lose him but at this time he is in fine health and sitting upon the table as I write. He at one time scolds me for the inkstand and at another knocks my knuckles with a spoon. He bears no resemblance to our family, being a true copy of his father.” Tamsen worried about her husband too: “I have had excellent health since I saw you, but Mr. Dozier has twice been reduced very low since we were married. His precarious health and our strong dislike to slavery has caused us to determine upon removing to some western state. But not until next year.”
Continued on Page 6 my steps. So fully aware am I that he will guide me, that I feel not the least hesitation in proceeding.” Tamsen said goodbye to her family and steamed south along the coast to North Carolina.
Life in the lush southern countryside was comfortable for Tamsen and her family, but tragedy intruded and changed everything. A June 28, 1831 letter from Tamsen explained the situation all too clearly: “My sister I send you these pieces of letters that you may know that I often wrote to you even if I did not send. I have lost that little boy that I loved so well. He died on the 28th of September.
Springfield, Illinois 1860
Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress
I have lost my husband who made so large a share of my happiness. He died the 24th of December. I prematurely had a daughter, which died on the 18th of November. I have broken up housekeeping and intend to commence school in February. O, my sister, weep with me if you have tears to spare.”
Tamsen Eustis Dozier’s life in North Carolina was just about over. Her recently widowed brother sent an urgent plea for Tamsen to come to Illinois and help him raise his children. His call for help plucked Tamsen from the piedmont of North Carolina and pulled her West, where she again found work as a schoolteacher.
In Springfield, Illinois, while teaching botany to her pupils, Tamsen met George Donner, a wealthy landowner, twice widowed. George was described as a “big man, fully six feet tall, with black hair shot with silver. He was of cheerful disposition and easy temperament. Neighbors came to him for advice and sympathy.” On May 24, 1839, Tamsen and George were married. George had other children by his first two wives, and over the next six years Tamsen gave birth to three girls, Frances, Georgia, and Eliza.
Tamsen loved her new life in Sangamon County, Illinois. George owned two large and profitable farms. The Donners lived on the smaller one, which comprised 80 acres of prime farm and grazing land, as well as
extensive orchards planted with apple, peach and pear trees. They lived in a large five-room, two-story house. Their life was very comfortable. In a letter home, Tamsen wrote her sister: “I find my husband a kind friend, who does all in his power to promote my happiness and I have as fair a prospect for a pleasant old age as anyone.”
But Tamsen’s contentment did not diminish George’s desire for economic opportunity. Despite George’s advanced age of 62 years and his apparent satisfaction with the comfort of their beautiful home and farm, the spring of 1846 found the Donner family on the overland trail to California. George’s younger brother Jacob and his wife and family joined them in the bold move west.
Tamsen wrote from the boisterous frontier town of Independence, Missouri, a favorite “jumping-off” point for west-bound emigrants: “My dear sister, I commenced writing to you some months ago but the letter was laid aside to be finished the next day and was never touched. My three daughters are round me, one at my side trying to sew, Georgianna fixing herself up in an old India rubber cap and Eliza knocking on my paper and asking me ever so many questions.”
Tamsen Donner’s last letter was written near the Platte River and sent back to be published in the Sangamo Journal, Springfield’s local newspaper: “We are now on the Platte, 200 miles from Fort Laramie. Our journey so far, has been pleasant. Wood is now very scarce, but “Buffalo chips” are excellent – they kindle quick and retain heat surprisingly. We had this evening Buffalo steaks broiled upon them that had the same flavor they would have had on hickory coals.”
Their journey had gone well up to that point, but that would soon change. Their heavily laden wagons slowed
Independence Missouri, as seen by Herman J. Meyer in 1853. The main street, with its steepled brick courthouse also had stores and shops where emigrants could purchase supplies.
their pace and they risked an untried shortcut that ultimately tested their strength and broke the group’s cohesive spirit. The struggling emigrants reached Truckee Lake (Donner Lake) around Halloween 1846, but there were already several feet of snow on the summit. Sierra snowstorms came hard and fast that winter, trapping them without sufficient supplies. The two Donner families spent the winter at Alder Creek, six miles north of the lake, without cabins or adequate food and provisions. Ultimately, several relief parties came to help, but the first one did not arrive until February 18, 1847, about three and a half months after they had become snowbound.
Stumps of trees cut by the Donner Party in Summit Valley, Placer County. Courtesy of Library of Congress.
California. Their five girls, Elitha, Leanna, Frances, Georgia, and Eliza, gave birth to seventeen children among them. The Donner family adults paid the ultimate price, but their children and descendants endowed California with an enduring legacy of pioneer determination.
In her 1985 fictional book, Tamsen Donner: A Woman’s Journey, the eloquent New England poet Ruth Whitman articulated the pioneer spirit with these imagined words by Tamsen:
“If my boundary stops here, I have daughters to draw new maps on the world
they will draw the lines of my face, they will draw with my gestures my voice
they will speak my words thinking they have invented them.
They will invent them, they will invent me,
I will be planted again and again, I will wake in the eyes of their children’s children they will speak my words.”
George and Tamsen Donner died in the deep Sierra snow, but they succeeded in getting all of their children into
2025 Legislative Updates:
What’s New in California and Nevada
As of January 1, 2025, several new laws have come into effect in California and Nevada, addressing issues ranging from public health and safety to consumer protection and social justice. Below is an overview of some of the most significant legislative changes:
California
1. Cracking Down on Retail Theft: California has implemented stricter measures against organized retail theft. Assembly Bill 1802 and Senate Bill 982 permanently codify organized retail theft as a crime into state law. Possessing stolen goods valued over $950 with the intent to resell is now classified as a felony under Assembly Bill 2943. Similarly, Senate Bill 905 makes breaking into vehicles to steal property worth $950 or more with the intent to resell a felony offense.
2. Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes: With the signing of Assembly Bill 1775, licensed dispensaries and cannabis lounges in California are now permitted to prepare and sell non-psychoactive food and nonalcoholic beverages while hosting live music and performances. This initiative aims to help legal dispensaries compete with the black market by enhancing revenue opportunities.
3. Protecting Reproductive Health Data: In response to growing concerns over privacy, California has enacted laws to protect reproductive health data. These laws prohibit geofencing around health facilities and impose strict conditions on handling consumer health data, particularly related to reproductive health. The legislation mandates consumer consent for data usage and enforces penalties for unauthorized disclosures.
4. Social Media Age Verification: California has introduced the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976), requiring online platforms to obtain parental consent before providing “addictive” feeds to users under 18. The law also restricts sending notifications to minors during specific hours without parental consent. However, certain provisions have faced legal challenges, leading to preliminary injunctions against parts of the law.
Nevada
1. Ban on Forced Prison Labor: Nevada voters have approved a measure to ban forced prison labor, removing language from the state constitution that allowed involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment. This change aims to protect incarcerated individuals from being compelled to work under threat of punishment, often for minimal compensation.
2. Protections for Transgender Inmates**: Nevada has enacted legislation outlining rights for transgender individuals within state correctional facilities. The new law ensures that transgender inmates are housed and treated in accordance with their gender identity, providing necessary protections and accommodations.
3. Health Insurance Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care: A new law in Nevada requires health insurers, including Medicaid, to cover all medically necessary gender-affirming treatments. This legislation prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against transgender individuals based on their gender identity, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Maximizing Natural Light in Your Home
Natural light can transform a home, making spaces feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. Whether working with a small apartment or a spacious house, maximizing the natural light available can improve aesthetics and energy efficiency. Here are some practical tips to bring more sunlight into your home:
Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are powerful tools for amplifying natural light. Position large mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows to reflect sunlight deeper into the room. For an added decorative touch, consider using mirrored furniture or placing smaller mirrors in dark corners to bounce light around the space.
Opt for Light Paint Colors
Wall colors significantly affect how light is distributed in a room. Light, neutral shades like whites, creams, and soft pastels reflect sunlight better than darker tones. Choosing a matte finish for walls also helps diffuse light evenly, reducing glare while maintaining brightness. Don’t forget the ceiling—a crisp white or slightly lighter shade than your walls can make the room feel even more open.
Choose the Right Window Treatments
Heavy drapes or dark curtains can block light, so opt for sheer, light-colored fabrics that allow sunlight to filter
through. Roller shades or blinds in neutral tones can provide privacy while letting in light. For areas needing complete darkness at times, consider layering treatments, such as sheer curtains paired with blackout shades.
Keep Windows Clean and Clear
Dust and grime on windows can significantly reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home. Regularly cleaning windows inside and out ensures you’re getting the maximum brightness. Avoid cluttering window sills with decorations or furniture that might obstruct the light.
Add Glass or Reflective Surfaces
Incorporate furniture and decor with glass or reflective finishes, such as tabletops, metallic accents, or glossy tiles. These elements enhance the overall brightness by reflecting natural light throughout the space.
Rearrange Your Space
Position furniture to make the most of your light sources. Keep bulky pieces away from windows and opt for lower-profile furniture that doesn’t block light pathways.
Implementing these strategies can also restore your personal energy effeciency! In addition, it not only enhances your living space, but it’s also a sustainable way to enjoy your home to the fullest.
10 8 0 0 Pione er Trail, Unit 3,
e Since 1979 | 53 0 5 82 .742 8
Trucke
Symbolism in Fine Art: The Hidden Messages Behind Famous Works
Fine art has always been a powerful medium for conveying meaning, often using symbolism and allegory to communicate messages that go beyond the surface. Through the careful placement of colors, objects, and gestures, artists imbue their works with layers of significance, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the narrative or concept.
Colors as Symbolic Tools
Colors are among the most versatile symbolic tools in fine art, often carrying emotional or cultural associations. For instance, in religious Renaissance paintings, blue frequently represents divinity or purity, as seen in depictions of the Virgin Mary. Conversely, red can signify passion, power, or sacrifice, such as in Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, where bold red drapery underscores the intensity of spiritual devotion.
fruits, and everyday items often carrying deeper meanings. A decaying flower might symbolize mortality, while a peeled lemon could hint at the bittersweet nature of life.
Cancelled, Banksy Hamburg Germany
In Jan van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, nearly every object in the room conveys a symbolic message. The dog at the couple’s feet represents loyalty, while the single lit candle in the chandelier suggests divine presence or the sanctity of marriage. These intricate details transform the painting into a rich tapestry of allegory.
Gestures and Postures
In modern art, color continues to play a symbolic role. Mark Rothko’s abstract color fields, for example, evoke profound emotional responses, with dark hues often interpreted as representations of existential despair or introspection.
Objects and Their Hidden Meanings
Objects within a painting often serve as symbols that provide insight into the artist’s intentions or the subject’s story. Dutch Golden Age still lifes are a prime example, with meticulously painted flowers,
Human gestures and postures can be equally revealing in fine art, often conveying emotions or intentions that are not immediately obvious. In Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, the gestures of the apostles reveal their reactions to Christ’s announcement of betrayal. Each hand movement and facial expression communicates a unique emotional response, creating a layered narrative within the composition.
Symbolism
Symbolism remains relevant in contemporary art, though its forms have evolved. Artists like Kara Walker and Banksy use modern imagery and techniques to address themes such as race, power, and consumerism. By incorporating familiar symbols—both historical and modern—they challenge viewers to rethink societal norms and confront uncomfortable truths. Symbolism enriches fine art by adding depth and complexity, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with the work on a deeper level.
Whether through colors, objects, or gestures, these hidden messages ensure that art remains a powerful vehicle for storytelling and meaning across generations.
Arnolfini Portrait, Jan van Eyck Oil on Panel, 1434
The Tree Aaron Jones
Photography on Canvas
Eagles in the Winter Months: Behaviors, Mating,
and Feeding
Eagles are among the most majestic birds of prey, and their adaptability allows them to survive even in the harshest winter conditions. During the colder months, eagles exhibit fascinating behaviors related to survival, feeding, and mating.
Winter Survival Strategies
Eagles are highly resilient and have developed various strategies to withstand frigid temperatures. Many species, such as the bald eagle, can migrate to areas with more favorable conditions, while others, like golden eagles, remain in their territories, enduring the harsh weather. Eagles fluff their feathers to trap warm air close to their bodies, providing insulation against the cold. They also roost in sheltered locations, such as dense tree canopies, cliffs, or rocky outcrops, to minimize exposure to wind and snow.
Mating and Courtship in Winter
Winter is a critical season for eagle mating, particularly for bald eagles, which begin their courtship displays as early as December. Eagles are monogamous and often return to the same nesting site each year with their lifelong mate. Courtship rituals include aerial acrobatics, such as the famous “cartwheel display,” where two eagles lock talons midair and spiral toward the ground before releasing each other. These displays strengthen pair bonds and establish their commitment for the breeding season. Nest-building also begins in winter, with eagles constructing or reinforcing massive nests, known as eyries, in tall trees or on cliffs in preparation for egglaying in early spring.
Winter Feeding Habits
Finding food in winter poses a significant challenge, but eagles are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They primarily feed on fish, but when rivers and lakes freeze over, they adapt by hunting small mammals, waterfowl, and even scavenging carrion. Bald eagles are known for their keen eyesight, which allows them to spot prey from great distances. They may also steal food from other birds, such as ospreys, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism. Golden eagles, on the other hand, are more adept at hunting and can take down larger prey, including rabbits and even young deer.
Adaptations to Winter Conditions
Eagles possess several physiological and behavioral adaptations that help them cope with cold temperatures. Their talons and beaks remain effective weapons for catching and consuming prey, even in icy conditions. Additionally, eagles reduce their activity levels during extreme cold spells to conserve energy, perching for long periods and minimizing unnecessary movement.
• Bald eagles are often seen congregating in large numbers near open water sources where fish are still accessible, such as rivers, dams, and coastal areas.
• Some northern eagle populations migrate south in search of food, while others remain year-round if food sources are adequate.
• Eagles can withstand temperatures well below freezing, thanks to their dense plumage and efficient circulatory systems.
• Unlike many bird species, eagles do not hibernate or significantly alter their metabolic rates during instead, they rely on their hunting skills and adaptability.
Eagles are remarkable birds that demonstrate incredible resilience during winter. Their ability to adapt to cold environments, maintain mating rituals, and secure food despite challenging conditions highlights their strength as apex predators. Whether soaring through snow-covered landscapes or perching majestically on a frozen tree branch, eagles continue to captivate and inspire awe even in the harshest months of the year.
Editor’s Note: To watch bald eagles in action go to FriendsofBigBearValley.org. A beloved couple: Shadow (male) and Jackie (female) have 3 eggs they are incubating right now! You can watch them live on camera in the nest, as well as go back to important milestones.
A brand-new fundraiser for our 21+ crowd to dance the night away! DJ Gr8Vibe Spinning. Cash bar. Charcuterie. Prom photographer. Corsages and boutineers. Babysitting available for kids ages 4+ (must be potty-trained). Proceeds from this event support young dancers and performers in Truckee-Tahoe as well as our dance-centric community wellness programs. Slip into your bell bottoms, dust off your platforms, and get ready to boogie the night away at Love Train: A 70s Prom! This far-out fundraiser for InnerRhythms Dance Studio will have you feeling the funk on February 14 at the Veterans Hall in Truckee, CA. Groove to the outta-sight beats of DJ Gr8Vibe as they spin the best disco, funk, and soul hits of the decade. Hit up the cash bar or snag a frosty treat from our margarita machine to keep your energy flowing. Strike a pose with your sweetheart or squad at our prom photo station, because memories this groovy need to be captured! Add some flower power with corsages and boutonnieres for sale on-site. This love-filled, retro soirée supports InnerRhythms’ dance-centric wellness programs, spreading joy and movement throughout our community. Dust off your tuxedos, channel your inner disco diva, and join us for a night of dancing, laughing, and fundraising for a great cause. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a groovy one to remember!
Mar 15, 2025
TRUCKEE HOST LIONS CLUB
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/truckee/
The Truckee Host Lions Club Invites You to Our St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Fundraiser! Join us for an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and giving back at the Truckee Host Lions Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Fundraiser! This annual event is not only a chance to enjoy a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to support vital community projects and initiatives right here in Truckee. Come dressed in your greenest attire, enjoy traditional Irish fare, and celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day while making a difference. With your participation, the Truckee
Host Lions will continue to provide much-needed services to our local community, from a free Community Heath Fair, Eye exams, frames and lenses and support for those in need. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of food, fun, and philanthropy! Let’s raise a glass together and make this a St. Patrick’s Day to remember!
The Mothership Classic began when Arcade Belts teamed up with High Fives Foundation to raise funds for High Fives Athletes. Every year the event attracts a crowd of locals to see who can win the title of most laps on KT-22.
How to Participate:
Create or Join a Team: Sign up with friends and start fundraising. Raise a Minimum of $150: More pledges mean more prizes! Ski or Ride on Event Day: Track your laps, enjoy the vendor village, and celebrate with an epic après-ski awards ceremony
North Lake Tahoe
Mar 01, 2025
TAHOE CITY SNOWFEST PARADE
https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/
The Tahoe City Parade is back!! Sign up ( go to Parade Registration Tab on home page) to take part or come out to watch as the best and brightest of N. Lake Tahoe compete to see who is the Best In Show ($1000.00 prize), Best Youth Entry, Most Tahoe, and Rookie of the Year! Theme again is Lake Tahoe Mountain Mardi-gras. Staging this year is at Tahoe Lake School Parking Lot and will be open to float prep and staging on Friday March 3rd at 5pm. Parade Route is from the Tahoe Lake School to The light at Hwy 28 and Hwy 89. There will be vendors at the Penny Bear Park w/ Snowfest Merch, other and info on non-profits supported by our events.
Join us for the 23rd annual Dummy Downhill on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Participants build a dummy on skis or snowboards that gets launched off of a big jump, while spectators get to watch as unique characters fly down the hill or crash hard. This is Diamond Peak’s signature spring event and the biggest party of the year. Even non-skiers will want to come watch the madness! A panel of celebrity judges will evaluate all Dummies on the snow by the Base Lodge, followed by the dummy launch and an awards ceremony. Prizes and certificates are awarded for creativity, best crash, furthest distance, and more. Dummies must be at the Base Lodge by 10:00 a.m. to check in and then be judged on creativity. Dummies cannot be live, have pyrotechnics and must weigh less than 75 pounds. Dummies, songs and costumes must be family-friendly. Team captains should be present to help load the dummies after they have been judged and unload at the top of the jump. The jumping typically begins around noon and will be followed by an award ceremony on the Base Lodge Deck. Register dummies online in advance. Registration typically opens in February.
Good Vibez Presents is proud to announce the return of the Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival in 2025. Taking place over President’s Day Weekend—February 15th and 16th, 2025—reggae fans will once again meet up at Tahoe Blue Event Center for two days of reggae community and winter wonderland with the help of acts like Dirty Heads, Rebelution, and more. “We’re excited to be back at the Tahoe Blue Event Center for year two of the Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival,” says Good Vibez co-owner, Dan Sheehan. “It’s the perfect remedy for those winter blues—what could be better than escaping to Lake Tahoe for the weekend, where you can hit the slopes during the day, and vibe to your favorite reggae music at night? It’s the best of both worlds, and we can’t wait to share another unforgettable weekend of music and good vibes with everyone!”
Subaru is thrilled to welcome back, Subaru WinterFest, a one-of-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour that invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders, music fans, and dog-lovers alike to bask in their love of adventure and all things winter!
The annual mountain destination event will feature nationally recognized Americana, bluegrass, indie, and electronic music talent presented by Harman Kardon. It will offer gear demos from latest gear and demos from Thule, Solo Stove, Mammut, Nordica, Dynamic Wax,100%, Luno, and Wilderdog. Delicious treats, warm beverages and tasty surprises will be provided from our friends at YETI, Kate’s Real Food, Vafels, and Alpine Start. Subaru and the Ski Patrol will share how you can get involved and support the Avalanche Rescue Dogs. Subaru owners will enjoy VIP treatment and special gifts while supplies last.
Gather your crew, head to Subaru WinterFest and join us for an incredible celebration at Sierra-at-Tahoe!
Saturday, April 20, 2024, Make a splash by attempting to cruise across the pond skim at this year’s Kirkwood Slush Cup. Bring your floaties and best retro ski gear and help us celebrate a renewed tradition at Kirkwood. Can you make it across the pond?
Registration Morning of ONLY- Beginning at 8:30AM in The Village. Participants will receive a starting number and must run in order.
• Participant meeting at 12:15
• Competition from 1-3PM
• PRIZES AWARDED FOR THE WINNERS OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
1. BEST OVERALL SKIM aka SLUSH KING/QUEEN
2. BEST COSTUME
3. BEST SPLASH
Feb 20-22, 2025
Reno
WESTERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL
http://www.westernlightsfestival.com/
Western Lights isn’t just a festival—it’s an immersive adventure that illuminates the heart of Reno with vibrant art, innovation and creativity. In partnership with Grand Artique, the City of Reno and visionary artists, the city’s streets will be transformed into a luminous playground. Stroll through 30+ dazzling illuminated art installations and interactive experiences while enjoying music from 30+ DJs and live bands that showcase Nevada’s cultural hub like never before. Come see Reno in a whole new light – for free!
Mar 14-16, 2025
NEVADA PREMIER SPORTSMAN’S EXPO
https://renosportsmanexpo.com/
Sportsman’s paradise of outdoor products, hunting and fishing trips, camping, cooking, hiking gear and so much more. Nevada fish and game sponsored events for kids, celebrities from the Outdoor Channel, Nick Mundt and Larry Weishuhn will be there all 3 days. NRA Wall of Guns raffles, Silent auction for hunts and gear is there for the taking. Low entry fee of 12.00 per adult and kids 12 and under are free. Buy your tickets at www.renosportsmanexpo. com or at the gate.
3/14: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
3/15: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
3/16: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
apr 26, 2025
VIRGINIA CITY GRAND PRIX
https://vcgp.com/
Race, rev, repeat! Start your engines for the 54th Virginia City Grand Prix from April 26-27, 2025. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with thrilling off-road action. This legendary race combines rugged, challenging terrain with the charm of Virginia City. Experience the excitement of this unique off-road motorcycle race in an authentic “old west” mining town and National Historic Landmark.
Feb 06-09, 2025
• And much, much, MORE! Continued from page 16
Carson Valley
EAGLES AND AGRICULTURE 2025
https://www.carsonvalleynv.org/eagles-ag/
Calling all wildlife lovers! This annual weekend showcases birds, wide-open spaces and the cutest calves imaginable! Each year, the calving season draws raptors, including bald eagles, to Carson Valley. Eagles and Agriculture celebrates their arrival and offers a chance to witness these majestic birds. Highlights of the event include an opening dinner, where falconers bring their birds for up close viewing, tours for exclusive access to the ranches, a photography workshop, and a photo contest. Bus-led tours will be available this year, allowing participants to learn about the local lore while riding in comfort to each tour site. Tickets will be limited, so reserve early! More information on the event, including a full schedule of available tours and activities, will be uploaded to the official Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
The El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society is proud to bring you the 38th annual Rock and Gem Show. Featuring a variety of “SILICA: Agates Opals & Quartz.” A great opportunity for experienced rockhounds or new collectors.
EDUCATIONAL FAMILY FUN:
• Rock & Gem Identification
• Lapidary Arts Demonstrations from skilled artisans
• Over 20 Educational Display Cases
• FREE Soapstone carving and other Fun Activities
• Find a Treasure to bid on in the Silent Auction
• Start a Collection with a Rock Grab Bag Purchase
