I’ve been a Nevadan for over twelve years. Long enough to know that the last weekend in October deserves a little celebrating. When we prepared to make Nevada our home, it took us a year to move our belongings while we wrapped up two careers. During that year, Fridays became the best day of the week. With seniority and some flexibility in our jobs, we could usually begin the journey to Virginia City around noon.
Those drives were full of excitement and dreams. The Dunmovin House had been repossessed, making it a bargain with plenty of possibilities. We were ready to work all weekend, and we spent hours discussing what we would remodel, repair, or rebuild. There was always another idea. Somehow, that seven-hour drive flew by. Before we knew it, we were arriving at our own private mountaintop, perfect for two.
When our first Nevada Day rolled around, the whole idea seemed a little crazy to us. A state holiday on the last Friday in October, just to celebrate being Nevada? What a wonderful idea. And boy, do we celebrate. Parades, art shows, and festivities make it feel like a little Independence Day just for Nevadans. The celebration fills the weekend, with Halloween adding its own excitement. Around here, there is plenty of room for both.
Today, HHH and I are preparing for tomorrow. We are participating in our very first trunk-or-treat. My theme will be camping. Naturally, I have a bear costume. HHH is still figuring out his theme, but I have my part covered. Whatever else happens, my campsite will have a bear. We are both as excited as we can be.
Without good lighting or sidewalks, Winterpast doesn’t see many kiddos on Halloween. For the last six years, I’ve turned off the porch light and watched a movie. This year will be different. We are prepared to join the fun.
One thing I love about a small town is the chance to be part of the lives of the children growing up here. They are our future, and there are endless reasons to encourage them. Earlier in the week, the sweetest young man was selling popcorn to raise money for his Scout troop. Dressed in his full uniform, he explained what he was doing.
Twenty dollars a bag. That made me pause. But he explained that it was really a donation to support his troop. After all, everyone knows a bag of popcorn can only go so far to justify twenty dollars. He was adorable. And I do like popcorn. I might have to buy another bag.
What stayed with me was seeing that young man sitting with his dad. No cellphone in sight. Just a boy and his father, spending time together, and the boy seemed to enjoy his dad’s company very much. That alone was worth the twenty dollars.
As we get ready for our camping adventure among the trunks and treats, I’m thankful to be part of this little town. Thankful for neighbors who show up, parents who make time, and children who give us reasons to dress like bears and hand out candy. Twelve and a half years ago, Nevada was a place full of possibilities. Today, it is home.
So have fun today, whatever you do. If you are a Nevadan, celebrate! If you aren’t, celebrate anyway. After all, it’s almost Halloween. I’ll be back on Monday.