Carson Valley Days (or Day, originally) first began on June 11th, 1910, following the arrival of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Minden. It was a celebration organized by local boosters to showcase the region’s agriculture and the town itself as it grew with the addition of the rail line. Organizers chartered a train that brought over 3000 people to that first event in Minden Park, temporarily doubling the local population, to hear speakers, play sports, and end the day with a dance. The event continued to evolve over time and established itself as a yearly tradition, only stopping briefly during World War II. Following the end of the war in 1946, the parade was added, and it became a multi-day festival in 1954. The parade originally ran from Gardnerville to Minden until 1993, when the route was reversed and the event moved to Lampe Park.

The entire festival has been organized by the Active 20-30 Club of Carson Valley #85 since 1946. This group of men from 20 to 39 years old is comprised entirely of volunteers focused on improving the lives of children in the local community, building leadership skills, and establishing lifelong friendships. Carson Valley Days provides the club with the funds needed to invest in local youth and to continue their mission by donating to countless nonprofits, schools, athletic programs, scholarships, food drives, clothing drives, and more. Click here to learn more about the Active 20-30 Club. The Active 20-30 Club of Carson Valley is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.