Kentucky Derby Saturday Plus Info on Over 15 May Events

In this week's blog: our owner's Horse running in Kentucky Derby (See Update Below), info on over 15 May events, win dinner in CV Steak, a $75,000 Giveaway and a bunch more!

Facebook Winner Plus Another Contest Today: "Shout out" to Becky Cohn Kendall who won two tickets to the Michael Martin Murphy Concert in our Facebook contest last week. In a "good karma" gesture, Becky is taking her friend Heather . . . who just happens to be the person who suggested she enter the contest! What's next? Check our Facebook Page today for an easy contest to win a Free Dinner for Two in CV Steak!

Cinco de Mayo at the CVI: Join us Monday, May 5 for Cinco de Mayo with 5X Points all day in the casino plus drawings at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. for a chance to win up to $5,000 instantly.  The casino bars are offering 16-Ounce Corona Light draft for $2 and Two Beef Tacos for $3.99. A few steps away, Katie's is serving $3.99 Chicken Enchiladas and $3.99 Beef Burritos.

Kentucky Derby Update: Graded stakes winner Hoppertunity, the 6-to-1 second choice on the morning line for the  140th Kentucky Derby, will be scratched from the first leg of the Triple Crown because of a problem with his left front foot, trainer Bob Baffert said Thursday.

Vroom, Vroom: Someone will win a Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O tonight at the CVI!! Our thanks to the folks at Michael’s Cycle Works who were kind enough to provide one of these sporty units for display on our casino floor all month. Drawings are at 6 and 8 p.m. UPDATE: Lyndel G. of Gardnerville was the lucky winner who opted to leave the adventure to someone else and pocketed the $4,500 Cash option.

Are We Really Giving Away $75,000 in Cash? Yes – Guaranteed! Between the CVI and our sister property Bodines Casino we are giving away $75,000 in cash during May and June. That's a bundle of money and all the details are on this page!

Fun Events Coming in May: We routinely put together an extensive internal calendar so all of us at the CVI can try to keep up with "what's goin' on" around here. We thought you might like an edited version of just some of the many events (most with links) happening in May at or near the CVI. For those events nearby, perhaps you'll stop by before or after and enjoy some of our entertainment, food and hospitality!

• The Michael Martin Murphey Concert is this Thursday, May 1 in TJ's Corral Outdoor Events Center. Tickets are still available and the weather will be great!
• The Genoa Cowboy Festival is this Friday through Sunday in Genoa – same great weather.
• The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 3.  In case you missed our last few blogs, don't read the local paper, or have had blinders on: Keep your eye on Hoppertunity in the Derby this Saturday – the colt is owned by CVI owner, Mike Pegram! Oh, we really don't think any of our readers wear blinders, but some horses do while racing and we just took a stab at topical humor.
• Sweet Sippin Sundays start this Sunday, May 4 in Genoa.
• The NFL Draft is next week on May 8, 9 & 10. We only bring this up because the Draft marks the unofficial beginning of the 2014 Fantasy Football preseason for many local football fanatics!
• The Carson Valley Arts Council Tempest Celtic Rock Concert is Friday, May 9 at the CVIC Hall in Minden – less than a 5 minute walk from the Inn. Check out our Special Hotel Package.
• Big Mama's 9^th Annual Show & Shine Car Show is Saturday, May 10 in Lampe Park. 
• Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11 and we are offering specials in Katie's and CV Steak plus a  CVI Weekend Hotel Package.
• May 12 in CV Steak: OK, so this is not really an event as such. But we figure we can include whatever we want in our blog, so just a friendly reminder: Starting May 12, CV Steak is open 7-nights-a-week for the summer!
• The Monthly CVI Blackjack Tournament is Tuesday, May 13 with all the entry fees paid back out as prize money!
• The first 2014 Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk is May 15 in the Gardnerville Main Street District. This is a great afternoon "tune up" for . . .
• The Oak Ridge Boys Concert is Thursday, May 15 in TJ's Corral Outdoor Events Center and tickets are selling fast with more tickets sold than there are remaining (HINT – get on the stick and get your tickets before we start our advertising blitz).
• The Action/Adventure Expo is Friday & Saturday, May 16 & 17 at the Fairgrounds Pavilion.
• The Preakness Stakes is Saturday, May 17 and we don't know yet if CVI owner Mike Pegram will have a horse running . . . but you can bet we'll let you know as soon as we know!
• The Minden Farmer’s Market Starts Tuesday, May 20 and continues on Tuesday evenings thru September on Esmeralda Street in Minden.
• The first GE Community Concert in Minden Park is Friday evening, May 30 featuring Heartache Tonight (A Salute to the Eagles).  The CVI is proud to be a series sponsor and the host hotel for all Community Concert performers.
• The CVI Food Truck Festival is Saturday, May 31 in and near TJ's Corral.
• More Concerts??: Of course - all the concerts are on this page.

Sous Chef Patrick Pierce's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak this Friday is a Game Mix Grill with marinated Buffalo and Elk medallions, Venison and Rabbit Sausage and finished with a Brandy Cherry Demi-Glace for $29.00. As with all CV Steak entrees, the Game-On Friday special also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato.

Talk to Us! To send us suggestions or comments shoot us an email or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator. He or she will get you to the correct person or department. We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday morning!

Free Four-Wheeler, Kentucky Derby News, Chili Cook-off & Craft Fair this Weekend

In this week's blog: Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair this weekend, what would you do with a free 4-wheeler?, two Kentucky Derby entries with two different owners from Douglas County.

What Would You Do with a Free 4-Wheeler? We don't know if this weekend's drawing winners will pick the $500 cash or a change to "go for" a free 4-wheeler . . . but we do guarantee that a free 4-wheeler (or $4,500 cash on the spot) will be given away at the grand prize drawings next Wednesday, April 30 at 6 & 8 p.m. "Where would I ride a 4-wheeler around here" you ask? Funny, we asked the same question and found that our Carson Valley Visitors Authority has a pretty good list of ATV/OHV Tours & Trails on their web site!

Carson Valley Sertoma Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair This Weekend:

The Carson Valley Sertoma Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair  takes two big steps forward this Saturday and Sunday with the return of the International Chili Society (ICS) chili cook-off competition and the expansion from our west parking lot to TJ's Corral Outdoor Event's Center and the adjacent parking area.  

• Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with live entertainment by "Carl & the Classics" from noon to 5:00 pm each day. Admission is free.
• Over two dozen cooks will be competing for cash prizes and to qualify for the ICS World Championship.  Each red chili cook will provide People's Choice Chili for tasting from 10am to 4pm. each day and Sertoma will sell tasting kits at $1.00 for 2 tastes or $5.00 for 10. Great way to warm up on a cool spring day! Green chili and salsa makers will also be on hand.
• The traditional Shoot & Holler contest (eat a jalapeno, shoot a shot of tequila and holler as loud as you can) will be held for adults and there will be games and contests for both adults and children. 
• Approximately 70 crafter booths will feature handcrafted items, jewelry, clothes, purses, wood crafted items, yard décor and bird houses, sunglasses, pet items, jams & jellies, spices, olives, jerky, salsa and much more. 
• Sertoma will be raising funds through their traditional Wheelbarrow of Booze raffle and by selling chili & chili-dogs, burgers, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water. Sertoma supports local projects such as hearing aids, Backpack Buddies, the Senior Center, Carson Valley Community Food Closet, DAWG and scholarships for local students. 

Mike's Horses – and Steve and Carolyn's Horse, Also:

• Midnight Hawk finished 2^nd by a nose in last Saturday's $500,000 Illinois Derby. 
• Hoppertunity has already shipped to Churchill Downs and is still scheduled to run in the Kentucky Derby on May 3.
• To make the Derby even more of a "local interest" event this year: Steve and Carolyn Coburn, frequent guests at the Carson Valley Inn and south Douglas County residents, also have a horse running in the Kentucky Derby – the early favorite California Chrome. 
• We started calculating the odds of having two Kentucky Derby entries from two different owners in the same basically rural community in Nevada and . . . well, after applying every calculation and analysis in our tool box, this year the odds appear to be 100% if both horses stay fit and ready!

Concert Update:

• No new concerts to report this week, but we get a page up on our web site for the B. J. Thomas Concert on Thursday, July 10 . . . and all the concerts are now included on this concerts page.
• The Michael Martin Murphy Concert is coming up next week on Thursday, May 1.  BMI has confirmed that his song Wildfire is one of the most played songs in the history of radio. Take a moment to watch and listen to the lyrics of Wildfire as performed by Michael on the David Letterman Show . . . and then get your tickets and come on out and watch "Murph" and his Band in Concert next week live in TJ's Corral at the CVI!! 
• Facebook fans, here's a link to a post on our page - you can like, comment or share to get in on a drawing for two free Michael Martin Murphey Concert tickets!

In the Casino this Week:

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: George Pickard performs tonight, Stew Stewart appears Thursday through Saturday and Dale Poune takes the stage Sunday through next Wednesday. Known for his witty audience interaction and quips, Stew can always be humbled if you ask him about his dog who rules his life! Here is a link to the schedule for the next couple of months.
• Casino Promotions:
• Today:
• 3X points from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ladies Night 6 to 9 p.m.  First 150 ladies get Simply Tasteful Recipe Booklets and a Chi Tea Packet; Hot Seat winners get Simply Tasteful gift bags.
• Thursday: $3 Craps starting at 5 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Four-Wheeler Promotion Giveaways at 5, 7 & 9 p.m.
• Monday:  Free 6-Pack of Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when earning 25 points (limit one).

 As always, some Interesting Information:

• We are half way through the re-carpeting of all of the rooms in the Motor Lodge – another of the seemingly endless and ongoing projects to freshen up every inch of the Carson Valley Inn.
• A few of us got a peak at some upcoming promotions (more next week) and we'll be giving away $75,000 in cash between the CVI and Bodines Casino during May and June.  We'll also be involved as the host hotel for the pilots and crew coming into town for the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour on June 2 – 4 (hint – a chance to buy a ride in a B-17, B-52 or P-51).
• Sous Chef Patrick Pierce's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak this Friday is Grilled Thresher Shark with Shrimp and Roasted Corn Salsa for $26.00 As with all CV Steak entrees, the Game-On Friday special also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato. 

Lots More Coming Up: We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday!

Have questions or comments? Post a comment below, shoot us an email using info @ carsonvalleyinn dot com or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator. He or she will get you to the correct person or department!

In this week's blog: Tickets now on Sale for Eddie Money Concert and Dustin Lynch Concert, B. J. Thomas Concert announced, Mother's Day and Father's Day Weekend hotel packages, a reminder about Easter Sunday dining and more.

Concert News:

• Tickets are available as of this morning for the Dustin Lynch Concert on Friday, June 13 and we are tipping off our blog readers before the word gets out later today. Both a songwriter and performer, Dustin toured as an opening act for Keith Urban's Light the Fuse Tour. His subsequent hits include "Cowboys and Angels" which was nominated for American Country Awards Single of the Year - New Artist and Music Video of the Year - New Artist and also for the CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year.  Additional hits include "She Cranks My Tractor," "Wild in Your Smile" and the recently released "Where It's At."
  
• Eddie Money Concert Tickets went on sale earlier this week and all revenues from the concert and associated live auction benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada Carson Valley Branch!  The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the Live Auction at 7:00 p.m. will include items such as a VIP Trip for 2 to the 2015 Academy Of Country Music Awards in the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a VIP Trip for 2 to Del Mar Race Track, a VIP Trip for 2 to an Atlanta Falcons game as a guest of Coach Mike Tice, a Purebred Lab Puppy and more. Back to Eddie Money . . . his hits included "Two Tickets To Paradise," "Baby Hold On," "Walk On Water," "Think I'm In Love," "Shakin," and more good ole'  rock and roll!
• Speaking of letting our blog readers know first: B.J. Thomas was signed yesterday for a concert in TJ's Corral on Thursday, July 10. We'll have more on our website soon . . . and we promise this is not "Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song!!"
• Tickets are also on sale through our web site for the Michael Martin Murphy Concert on Thursday, May 1 and the Oak Ridge Boys Concert on Thursday, May 15.
• Be sure to also check our full schedule of concerts page . . . and watch our Wednesday-morning blog postings for ticket release dates for the Chris Young Concert on August 2 and the Charlie Daniels Band Concert on August 29.

Mike's Horses:

• Sometimes the news is that there is no new news. Secret Circle was a last minute "scratch" in last week's Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. 
• Midnight Hawk is a likely entrant in this Saturday's Grade 3, $500,000 Illinois Derby and Hoppertunity is still targeted to run in the Kentucky Derby on May 3. BUT, as Secret Circle will tell you and them – "ya never know" till the last minute! 

A Great Idea for Mother's Day or Father's Day:  Have a mother, father, son, daughter, grandma or grandpa who lives out of the area? How about an aunt, uncle, niece or nephew? Invite them to Minden for Mother's Day or Father's Day! We have special packages available for both of these weekends. Mother's Day includes two nights and a food credit. Father's Day includes two nights, food credit, golf and a sleeve of golf balls.

Just Gotta Remind You Department:

• Easter Sunday Dinner Specials and Reservations: CV Steak is offering two Easter Dinner Specials and all the regular menu items on Sunday, April 20.  We still have a few prime reservation times available for Easter Sunday. However, Easter reservations are no time to practice the "If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done" theory 'cause your family will not be happy with you. So, call CV Steak at 775-783-6650 today!
• Sous Chef Patrick Pierce's Game-On Fridays special in CV Steak this Friday is Grilled Eye of Lamb Chop with cabernet lamb jus for $28.00. As with all CV Steak entrees, the Game-On Friday special also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato.
• Want to Be Part of the Heartbeat of the Carson Valley? Been quite a few additions to our employment opportunities since a week ago . . . check our Employment Page or stop by our Human Resources office.

In the Casino this Week:

• New Slots: A new bank of huge Buffalo Stampede slots is located just inside the casino entrance to the right. We read up on all the bells and whistles and bonuses and came to the conclusion that, like always, it's best to come in, watch someone else play for a few minutes, and then dive in!
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Brian Andrews performs tonight, The Blues Monsters – a red-hot rockin' blues band performing a powerfully unique combination of R&B, funk, jazz, and Chicago-style blues – handle the merriment Thursday through Saturday and George Pickard appears Sunday through next Wednesday. Here is a link to the schedule for the next couple of months.
• And Even More:
• Today: 3X points from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ladies Night 6 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday: $3 Craps starting at 5 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Four-Wheeler Promotion Giveaways at 5, 7 & 9 p.m.
• Monday:  Free 6-Pack of Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when earning 25 points (limit one).
• Tuesday: 2X Points all day. 

Lots More Coming Up: We have a lot more coming up at the Carson Valley Inn so check our Blog posting every Wednesday!

Have questions or comments? Post a comment below, shoot us an email using info @ carsonvalleyinn dot com or just pick up the phone and call us @ 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator. He or she will get you to the correct person or department!

Parking Horses at the Carson Valley Inn?

Midnight Hawk

What do a Pro Football Coach, NHL Hockey Coach and a Casino Owner have in common? We'll get to that . . . and also talk about valet parking a horse, Two Tickets to Paradise, tickets to The Flamingos, our Monthly Blackjack Tournament winners and a few other things this week!

Monthly Blackjack Tournament: Last night was the 2^nd Tuesday of the month and that meant our monthly blackjack tournament!  Richard L. finished first for $725.00, Jack J. won $435.00 for 2^nd place and Bev. T captured the 3^rd place prize of $290.00. Our next tournament is Tuesday, February 11 and all it takes is a $25 entry fee!

About the Pro Football Coach, NHL Hockey Coach and Casino Owner: As some of you know, Carson Valley Inn owner Mike Pegram is also very active in Thoroughbred horse racing. We are often asked when his horses are running and how they are doing.  The "when they will be running" part is tricky as decisions are often made and changed based on many factors. The "how they are doing" part is a little easier as it involves reporting after the fact.

Two of CVI owner Mike Pegram's horses ran last weekend. Ridden by Hall-of-Fame Jockey and recent CVI guest Mike Smith, 3-year-old colt Midnight Hawk finished first in the $100,000 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park and accumulated qualification points towards the Kentucky Derby in May (much still needs to fall into place before the Derby!). Mike's partners in Midnight Hawk include friends Joel Quenneville, coach of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks and former Minnesota Vikings head coach and frequent CVI guest Mike Tice who just took the job as the Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach. Later last Saturday at Santa Anita, 5-year-old Drill finished 3rd in the San Pasqual Stakes. Check our upcoming blogs for more on when Mike's horses will be running and how they did.

Eddie Money and More in the Valley Sky Theatre:  We're starting to pin down the first few events and concerts for the outdoor Valley Sky Theatre so watch our web site soon for information about Eddie Money ("Two Tickets to Paradise") on Saturday, June 21, Michael Martin Murphey ("Wildfire") and his band on Thursday, May 1 and the Carson Valley Sertoma Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair on April 26 & 27.

Did Someone Really Valet Parking a Horse at CVI Last Friday?  Actually, yes! The Carson Valley Visitors Authority was working on the Carson Valley Rider video campaign and Terrie (she's the face of the Visitor's Authority's campaign) did  ride up to the hotel entrance on a horse, get greeted by Elvis and get handed a valet ticket by Mark Breeden, our Bell/Valet Supervisor, who wound up with the reins! We'll let you know when the CVI segment of the video is used in an on-line or advertising message.

About our Progressive Pro Pick'em contest:  It didn't hit last Sunday so we have another $5 parlay card this week for a $4,480 jackpot.  Pick all 15 props and the pot is yours (ties split).  If it isn't won this Sunday it MUST be paid to whoever hits the most picks on Super Bowl Weekend. Entries are accepted until 8 a.m. Sunday during any hours the Sports and Race Book is open at the Carson Valley Inn or Bodines Casino. Complete contest details are available at the Inn's Sports and Race Book.

Flamingos Concert This Friday: Just a reminder that the Flamingos Concert is this Friday, January 17. Tickets are just $22 at the Hotel Front Desk.

Have questions or comments about the Carson Valley Inn? Send us an email using info at carsonvalleyinn dot com.  Please also feel free to call us at 775-782-9711. Hit "0" when the automated voice comes on and you'll go right to the hotel operator. He or she will get you to the correct person or department!