Sparks Correspondence – December 2017

Now that we are in the throes of winter, there are plenty of reasons to bundle up (maybe in your 80’s ugly sweater?), start shopping local craft fairs, and mingle with others who are willing to embrace the holiday
spirit. Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas Nevada-style, check out the festivities going on in Victorian Square, and ring in the New Year with The Dan Band playing at the Nugget Casino Resort.

The Outlets at Legends off of Sparks Boulevard will host a holiday craft fair on Dec. 2 and an ’80s Ugly Sweater Party at O’Cleary’s  Irish Pub that same evening (you know, if you need a reason to put on that Christmas sweater your grandma knitted for you 20 years ago). Hosted by the band New Wave Crave, dance the night away to David Bowie, INXS, Billy Ido,l and more with your fellow Flock of Sweaters.

Sparks Hometowne Christmas is back and celebrating 12 days leading up to the main day of cheer Battleborn-style. On Dec. 1, the City of Sparks will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony from 6:30-7pm in Victorian Square, and then the following afternoon festive floats will be gliding down the streets from 1-3pm. This parade — rooted in Nevada tradition and the spirit of the holidays — will feature local marching bands playing classic tunes and themes surrounding the Twelve Nevada Days of Christmas. Prizes will be awarded to the floats that have best personality, presentation, theme, and originality.

Throughout December Victorian Square will continue to transform into a winter wonderland with Santa and his little helpers turning downtown Sparks into the 39 North Pole in the second weekend of December. Along with general family fun and holiday cheer, locals and visitors may take free photos with Santa, get some gifts wrapped, enjoy live music, ride on Engine 39, shop for handmade crafts in the heated vendor village, and admire thousands of twinkling lights as part of the Holiday Light Festival.

The funny and inappropriate wedding/bat mitzvah singer who’s made a debut in several hit comedies, including The Hangover, Old School, and Starsky & Hutch, will be ringing in the New Year at the Nugget Casino Resort on Dec. 31. The Dan Band starring Dan Finnerty has gained national attention from something that started out as a joke at a karaoke bar, so be prepared to get offended and laugh the night away into 2018.

— Kayla Anderson