The annual Armed Forces Day weekend is finally here, and all kinds of events are on tap for Mineral County’s 73rd celebration in America’s Patriotic Home. Whether you live in town or are returning home for the celebration, there are plenty of things to see and do as you reunite with family and old friends. The main event of the weekend is the Armed Forces Day parade on Saturday at noon, and this year there will be lots of entries and floats heading down Main Street.

Here are some other events worth checking out this week.

Second Annual Family & Community Parade

File photo
Kayla Anderson – Cecil the Serpent makes its way down Main Street during the 2023 Armed Forces Day parade.

May 16, 6:15 p.m.

Kick off Armed Forces Day weekend with this free community “rolling/walking” parade starting at A Street and going down 10th Street to end at Veterans Park (aka Lady Bird Park). Dress up your scooter, bike, quad, golf cart, side-by-side, and/or yourself with patriotic gear and line up in order of transportation type (i.e. motorized, push/pedal, walking). Everyone is welcome to join, the parade departs promptly at 6:15pm, and several prizes will be handed out for best entries at the park following the parade.

The Vendors on Main Street

One of the highlights of Armed Forces Day is enjoying the food trucks, craft booths, and community partners out and about all weekend long, and it’s also a good time to get your 2024 AFD T-shirt. Look for the red, white, and blue shade tent under the El Capitan sign for your official AFD gear. There will also be lapel pins, challenge coins, and goodies available for the kids. A Rock Painting Table will be set up on Sunday, May 18th at 2pm with all the supplies needed to paint a big “Cecil the Rock Serpent”. This event is free, however, a donation bucket will be out and all proceeds will go directly towards the Cecil float’s upkeep.

Bounce Houses and Splash Pads

May 17-18, 2 p.m.

The bounce houses and carnival games are back, and will be downtown this year along with puzzles, board games, and other family-friendly games in the dirt lot behind the paved parking lot near the stop light. A splash area will also be on the asphalt street with two sprinklers, splash pads, and sprinkler hoses to help keep the little ones cool; bring water shoes. Entry into the fun area is $20 for the weekend or $10 per day; email armed.forces.day@outlook.com or visit facebook.com/AFDHawthorneNv/ for more information.

Other businesses participating in the 73rd Armed Forces Day:

El Capitan Fireworks

May 17, 9 p.m.

As one of Armed Forces Day’s longest standing supporters, El Capitan Casino will be celebrating all weekend long with live music, food, drinks, and fireworks. The adjoining Travelodge will also be carrying 2024 AFD shirts and souvenirs so that you can grab your gear when you check in for the weekend.

63rd Walker Lake High Desert Juried Art Show

May 17-18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy locally made art and vote for your favorites at the 63rd annual Walker Lake High Desert Juried Art Show taking place Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm (although it will be closed during the parade). If you’re an artist who would like to participate, entries are open May 10-11th from 10am-4pm.

Bighorns & Buses

May 16-19: 847 Frontage Rd., Walker Lake, NV

Spend AFD entirely in the outdoors with the inaugural Bighorns & Buses three-day camping event. Held at the beautiful Walker Lake on State Beach just off Highway 95 below Bighorn Crossing, all recreational toys like jet skis, dirt bikes, UTVs, and VWs are welcome.

Horseshoes, Chili and More

May 16-18: Barley’s Sports Bar and Joe’s Tavern

Barley’s will be going off all weekend long like it always does during AFD weekend, with these events back by popular demand:

  • Thursday, May 16 at 6 p.m.: Horseshoe tourney/cornhole fundraising event behind Mr. Beanes)
  • Friday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Nevada State Chili Championships then the NV State Amateurs Arm Wrestling challenge following it
  • Friday, May 17 at 5 p.m., Joe’s Tavern parking lot: AFD Cornhole Tournament
  • Friday, May 17 from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Barleys: Hollywood Trashed band
  • Saturday, May 18 at 8 a.m., Joe’s Tavern: Annual AFD Car Show 
  • Saturday, May 18 after the parade, Barley’s: OG Pong and Quarter Tourney, free entry
  • Saturday, May 18 after the parade, Barley’s: Freedom Pull Professional Arm-Wrestling Event 
  • Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m., Barley’s: Dock 6 plays

Live Music at Gil’s Place

May 17-18

Check out more live music at Gil’s Place AFD weekend…Cody Wayne will be playing from 2-9 p.m. and Moral Demise will be playing from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday night and Mr. Jonson & Loaded Dice will be playing all day long on Saturday.

For more information and the 73rd annual Armed Forces Day weekend updated schedule, visit https://armedforcesdaynv.com/.