For four nights, I will be in the quaint (and historic) town of Sparks, Nevada!
Lunch was a blast from my past... a chili dog from Wienerschnitzel. Delicious and as remembered!
I then did a brief tour of downtown Sparks, where the history is.
The Glendale School is a historic schoolhouse that was built in 1864 and served as a school until 1958. It was deemed significant as the first educational institution in the "Truckee Meadows" area, where, in 1857, Charles C. Gates and John F. Stone created a rope ferry across the Truckee River and opened a trading post, leading to further development. It was built by Archie Bryant. It is the oldest remaining school building in Nevada. Right here in Sparks!
Although Sparks is often overlooked in the annals of Nevada history, the story of the development of this railroad town is as strong as the steel from which its tracks were forged. In its early years, the town—the result of an exodus from Wadsworth—relied solely on the commerce and jobs provided by the railroad company that created it. Boasting the largest railway roundhouse in the world at the time of its inception in the early 1900s, Sparks’ growth picked up steam throughout the decades, fashioning the quaint, lively community that exists today.
I loved Peter Hazel's work found here. Among his significant pieces is this one, a fan favorite, Love Letter to Elaine, featured at the 2014 Burning Man festival. "Love Letter" is a tribute to his sweetheart and her favorite flower, standing 15 feet tall.
Last Chance Joe was a symbol of The Nugget from its inception in the early 50s. The new owners didn't want him so now he stands near the Sparks Museum. So cool!
The Sparks Museum & Cultural Center demands a more thorough explore. I loved that it is housed in the 1931 Washoe County Library.
Home for the next few nights is the Nugget for the Left Coast Crime Conference.
Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. The purpose is to host an event where readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans can gather in convivial surroundings to pursue their mutual interests.
I came a day early due to the impending snowstorm that's coming. My friend, Karen, is flying up from SoCal tomorrow and we're going to embrace everything LCC has to offer.
In our swag bag are ten books by some of the most amazing authors presenting this weekend. I will NEVER say I have nothing to read.
Part of the event is something called Author Connection. I was fortunate to score a ticket for Cocktails with Dänna Wilberg. Described as "Let's meet for cocktails! First drink is on me!" Dänna Wilberg is the author of the Grace Simms trilogy that poses the question, "What do we really know about a person?" She has produced and hosted two television series, PARANORMAL CONNECTION and STORY CONNECTION in Sacramento and is an award- winning screenwriter and short film maker. In addition she is a whole lot of fun and I hope to see a great deal of her over this weekend. Plus we share a birthday. How very awesome!
And just when I thought the night couldn't be anymore special, Betsey and Lee invited me to join them for 'Happy Hour'. This amazing couple have been to many of these conferences and offered their sage advice. Also, Betsey is from the same area of SoCal where I grew up so we shared many memories. Day #1 of Left Coast Crime couldn't have been better.
“A good friend will help you move,
but a true friend will help you move a body.”
― Steven J. Daniels, Weeds in The Garden of Love
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1 comments:
What an exciting preview! Can hardly wait to get there! Still, no jumping on my bed!!! Wait, which bed is mine :)
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