So you think you’re the only one who is suffering from the heat????? 103F every day for the past 3 weeks????? Sorry, the entire lower 48 states are sizzling. 110 degrees in Point Pleasant, NJ; 104 degrees at Dune Road Beach, Southampton, NY; 112 degrees Oakley, CA; 106 degrees Concord, CA. Shall I go on???? Here at the Comstock it is absolutely a frigid 89 degrees and when the Zephyr blows (around 2:30 pm), it is absolutely delightful (feels like a perfect 82).

I have to admit I have been derelict in writing these synopses of the Comstock. So, my faithful friends, I have to back-track to March of this year. When most people hunker down to work and home, as most people think, “darn, it’s winter, it’s freezing and there’s nothing to do and nowhere to go”. WRONG thinking!!!!! In March, we started by having our own “Oscars Night”. We had two parties going, so there was a choice. I attended the one at the Mandarin Garden. We were all dressed in our finest “Oscar” duds; had a wonderful dinner and the bets were on as to who would win whichever category was up. Needless to say, no one was cold since the drinks were free-flowing.

We did have our Easter Parade, with our local floats, Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs and all that jazz. I, of course, heard this one second hand because I flew back to New York to spend the Holiday with my family. By the way, it was HOT on the East Coast and we had 4 inches of snow on the Comstock - (I wonder who pummeled the Easter Bunny with the most snowballs???)

Then came the Motocross Races!. Was that ever exciting. There were 434 entrants this year - - the most ever. Of course, I didn’t have to travel very far – I crossed Union and had a front-row view (standing, that is).

Aaahhh, but the best was yet to come. Fourth of July! I’ve been up here for three years and this was by far the most exciting. To start off, the parade actually started at NOON and ran for 1 hour and 5 minutes. You might not think that is anything spectacular, but when you consider that most of our parades start sometime after noon and last for only 15 minutes, this was an exception to the norm… Even John Tyson (Channel 8 News), who by the way, is a Virginia City resident was impressed and we had an entire 5 minutes on his “John Tyson’s Journal” segment on the news.

We also had something new this year - - - strictly for children 1 – 12 yrs old, and in front of the original Wells Fargo Bank, (now The Country Cupboard), we had a “penny toss”. After the parade, the merchant who owns the Country Cupboard, pitched 500 pennies into the street for the children to scramble and collect. Of course, our Sheriff and his deputies had to stand guard just in case they had to beat off the adults, should they be inclined to crowd in on the kids for the “big money”.

Just as a point to ponder, vehicles were not allowed on “C” Street even though it is a State Highway, it is still our Main Street, so, since WE rule, visitors and residents alike, walked the street uninhibited to enjoy the two bands that were playing in the Delta parking lot (Comstock Cowboys and Chixi Dix), the Gunfighters Club having their performance shootouts and, of course, the people that were dressed in their absolute 1860’s finery. It was truly a step back in time but still one foot in the present.

The fireworks were superb. We gave Sparks, Reno, Las Vegas and Macy’s, a run for their money. All of our fireworks are sponsored by the local denizens of Virginia City by their generous donations throughout the year. The only thing that is required of visitors, and this is a MUST, is that you bring your own lawn or sand chair and park it anywhere along Union Street, D, E or F street (by the Railroad Museum).

This may be a bit lengthy, but there is so much going on, I just have to share it with all of you.

You can take a fantastic picture with the black panther (if you’re not too squeamish) then, if he decides NOT to have you for lunch, you can go next door to The Virginia City Jerky Company and have a fantastic lunch.

There are 25 new stores on the Comstock for you to browse through and one absolutely HUGE antique store in the Virginia City Mall. Good stuff in there. I spent about an hour just browsing.

Then there is my absolute favorite place you just must go and visit. It is the Millionaires Club of the Washoe. It is the only “club” (my description) on the Comstock. There are no slot machines; nothing to sell (except coffee, beer, wine and drinks); hot dogs for the kids (and adults) and of course on Saturdays and Sundays, there is live music. I must say, they get the best bands in Nevada to play. Of course, children are welcome to listen and to look at the antiquities where the Bonanza Kings spent their leisure time.

Uh huh! Uh huh! Uh huh! August is, but of course, HOT AUGUST NIGHTS. And we are getting our wonderful displays of the classic cars without the hustle and bustle and traffic jams of Reno/Sparks. You can ogle, goggle and drool all you want; take as many pictures your camera chip can hold and you won’t feel as if you’re lost in the frenzy of a quadrillion of people.

For all who are not so keen on classic cars (bah humbug!), or if you’ve had your fill of cars for one day, you can go to Gold Hill Hotel (775-847-0111) and buy a ticket for Shakespeare on The Rocks Theatre Troupe. This year it’s “As you Like It”. General Tickets are $28 and Grand Stand tickets with the medieval meal are $38. They are performing the week of August 10th – August 20th, but best to call to make sure and to reserve your tickets. They do their performances in the Gazebo across the street from the hotel in the cool shade of the overhanging trees.

NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!

Our brand spanking new 69-room hotel is opening its doors mid-August. You can book reservations now by calling HRM Enterprises at The Savage Mansion. At present, only the hotel and restaurant will be operational.

And so, I must close, although I am sure I forgot to write about a trillion things going on. It’s difficult to say which events are about to happen, unless they are those we do every year, so the best way to get caught up in the excitement is to put on a pair of comfy sneakers, flip-flops or espadrilles, a hat (a must) and shorts and just drive up here, find a parking spot anywhere (except in front of my house) and you’re in for a thrill. By the way, when you’re here, don’t forget to see the museum at St. Mary’s of the Mountain R.C. Church. It is a must-see for a minimal donation.

Until I return from my next venture, have a safe and happy summer.

Grace