Two 2017 Concerts Announced, Aerial Video of 1997 Carson Valley Flood, More

Wynonna Kicks Off the TJ's Corral Concert Season!

And the First Outdoor Concert for 2017 Will Be . . . Wynonna Judd when she brings her Wynonna and the Big Noise Tour to TJ’s Corral on Saturday night, April 29! Check it out because tickets will be going on sale this Saturday morning. We’re also announcing one more of the concerts for the coming season – the Marshall Tucker Band will invade TJ’s Corral on Friday night, July 28. While we’re letting a few cats out of the bag, we’ll also be releasing details fairly soon about Mixed Martial Arts fights in TJ’s Corral on Saturday, July 1, 2017.

 New Giveaways Started this Week: Our January casino promotions kicked in this week so we suggest you read through the In the Casino section below for the details on our Free Cash and Getaway Giveaways promotion, Cash Blast Giveaways on Wednesdays, a Coach grand prize for ladies night and more.

20 Years Ago – the Carson Valley Flood of 1997

It didn’t come without warning . . . the forecasters had one eye on the heavy snow-pack in the Sierra Range and the other on the Pineapple Express stretched out for over a thousand miles in the Pacific and heading right at us. There were emergency preparedness meetings and the TV weather reporters were not holding back in their prognostications . . . they talked not about what might come, but what would come. It all came down as predicted and the result . . . well the aerial video above – a 5 minute clip from a 75-minute video – tells it much better than the written word.  Thanks to Jeff McBryde and the many others who made this video possible. Remember those were the VHS days and thus the quality isn’t what it would be today . . . and it was before drones so an actual aircraft was used! The Flood Tapes were for sale in the CVI Gift Shop back then with all proceeds going to Douglas County Search and Rescue and the American Red Cross. Sorry, we don’t have any more and haven’t for years!

Eagles and Ag: All the activities are set and you can register online for the annual Eagles and Agriculture event coming up on January 27 – 29 with two of the key social/educational events and most tour departures here at the Carson Valley Inn.  Like the swallows are to Capistrano, the eagles (and other raptors) are to Carson Valley as they swoop in for the calving season. Details are available at this link.

New Katie’s Specials in January: Katie’s has a different special each day and there are a few new selections for January: Monday’s new special is Pork Chile Verde served with rice, refried beans and flour tortilla for $6.99. Tuesdays, enjoy Beef Stew in a Sourdough Bread Bowl for $6.99.  Italian Day continues on Wednesdays in Katie's with 3 specials at just $6.99. Thursday’s new special is Stuffed Pork Loin with mashed potatoes, pan gravy and vegetable for $6.99. Fridays and Saturdays, Katie's continues to offer a Roasted Prime Rib and Fried Shrimp Dinner special served with baked potato, vegetable and soup or salad for $14.99. The Monday through Saturday specials are available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Katie’s long-running Sunday special is "The Chandler" Chicken Dinner including southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw for $5.99 served from 2 to 10 p.m..

Sports and Race Book:

• On the Board: This week you can bet the NFL Wild Card Games, the NCAA Championship Game, NBA, College Basketball and NHL.  Also on the board: wager on who will win the Super Bowl, NBA Championship and NHL Stanley Cup.
• The PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive ended the regular NFL season at $4,493 so we conjured up a variety of 15 props on this weekend’s NFL Wild Card Games. Get ‘em all on the $5 card (play as many as you want) and the pot is yours!
• Around the Sportsbook with Mike, Alan and Greg:
• Last Week, 4-2:  Mike got ‘em both with Oklahoma State at +3 over Colorado and Clemson at +3 ½ over Ohio State. After two stellar weeks, Alan tanked losing both the Raiders to beat Denver and the Dolphins at +9 ½ over the Patriots. Greg squeaked in on the Giants at +8 over the Redskins and “called it” on the Falcons-Saints overs at 56!
• This Week:  Mike likes the Giants at +5 over the Packers and the “Overs” at 44½ on the same game. Alan tabbed the “Unders” at 51½ on the Alabama- Clemson game and the Raiders at +3 ½ over the Texans. Greg is counting on two favorites, Clemson at +6 ½ over Alabama and the Dolphins at +10 over the Steelers. 

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  The Novelists Acoustic Duo performs tonight, Justin Lee entertains Thursday, Friday and Saturday and George Pickard appears next Tuesday and Wednesday. Justin Lee burst onto the country music scene in 2015. The up-and-coming musician has gone from playing in a cover band with his buddies to performing on the same stage as acts like The Band Perry, Parmalee and Jake Owen. Justin has performed at ShipKicker in Long Beach and Night in the Country, Nevada’s largest country music festival. George Pickard co-wrote What Did You Do with Your Old Forty Fives for Bobby Vinton and backed up many acts from the fifties and sixties including The Shirelles, The Diamonds and The Platters. He was also one of the Kingsmen (Louie, Louie).

In the Casino

• Cash Blast Giveaways Today: Win up to $1,000 in cash in our giveaway drawings at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. every Wednesday in January. Use your card while you play 'cause you get in via hot seat selection and virtual drawing tickets from your play each Wednesday!
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free Chocolate Scented Candles for the first 150 ladies, World Market Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and earn entries for the January 25 drawings for a free Coach Handbag and Wallet.
• $1,000 Guaranteed Friday: our new Free Cash and Get Away Giveaways Promotion is underway and we’re guaranteeing to give away $1,000 of in some combination of Cash, Free Play and Trips this Friday and every Friday through February 24^th in drawings at 5, 7 and 9 PM.
• 5X Points Saturday: 5X Points every Saturday in January – five times the benefits of your play!
• Monthly Ladies' Poker Tournament Sunday: Brush up lessons at 3 p.m., play starts at 4 p.m.
• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Tuesday: Sign up from 5-to 6 p.m., play starts at 6. $25 buy-in.
• Penny Progressive Almost $52,000 . . . someone will win this jackpot on one of the Triple Red Hot 7's slots at the CVI, Sharkey’s or Bodines.
• Poker Room: Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions with something going on every day of the week. Win squares in our $160 NCAA National Championship Football Grid by making a Full House or higher in live action Texas Hold’ em or any hand of Tens Full or higher in Pineapple or Omaha. Grid numbers will be drawn on Monday, January 9 when the board is full and the payout is $40 each for 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters and for final score. Click here for all the poker room info.
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our Current Casino Promotions!

In Our Restaurants

• Wednesday is Italian Day/Night in Katie’s – three specials for just $6.99 each! Good way to celebrate National Spaghetti Day which is today!! Check all the Katie’s Daily Specials at this link.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is American Bison Game Tips with mushroom Cabernet demi and pepper pappardelle for $27.  Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. These specials are served with fresh vegetable, choice of rice or potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked), tableside tossed salad and warm demi-loaf of bread.
• Click the restaurant name for more info, specials and links to menus for Katie’s, CV Steak and Jobs Perk at the CVI . . . or our nearby sister property restaurants, the Jackpot Café at Sharkey's Casino and the Bodines Restaurant at Bodines Casino. 

Planning a Stay at the CVI? You will always get the best rate by booking directly with the Carson Valley Inn either online or by calling our Reservation Department directly at 775-783-6629 or 800-321-6983.

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, shoot us an email or 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 who can 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!

Moe and TG Tickets for Sale, Willie Nelson Tribute, Penny Progressive Tops $60K, CVI is Best of NV and More

This Week at the Inn:

• Please Give Blood Today: United Blood Services is holding their annual All-American Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. in our parking lot. Look for the big Bloodmobile and stop by to donate!
• See Willie Thursday: Roger Hegyi as “True Willie” pays tribute to the life and music of one

  

  Roger Hegyi as “True Willie”

  of the world’s most recognizable and distinctive musicians. Not just a Willie Nelson “impersonator,” Roger has found a way to reach into the musical soul of Willie Nelson and share it with audiences wherever he performs. Free shows are at 7 and 9 p.m. in our Cabaret Lounge
• Tanya Tucker Concert Friday: How many of Tanya Tucker's ten #1 hits can you name? And with 41 top-10 hits in her career, how many do you think she'll perform at her concert in TJs Corral Friday night? The best way to find out is by snapping up some of the few remaining tickets and joining us this Friday with the doors opening at 7:15 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m.  It's just $39 to see this incredible country legend who blazed the trail for the many female country stars who followed.
• New July Poker Promos Start Saturday: A $2-$6 Pineapple game spreads Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m., there's a reduced rake and free bar basket for those participating in the Saturday no-limit Texas hold 'em game starting at 6 p.m., and a "high hand spins the wheel" promo runs for a few hours on Saturday afternoons.
• Ladies Only Poker Tournament Sunday: The action starts at 4 p.m. and this one is a party as much as a tournament!
• Multiply Your Points Monday: it's 5X Points on video reels and 3X Points on video poker all day every Monday in July. There's no fine print on this one – earn as many points as you can at these incredible multipliers.
• Eat Chocolate on Tuesday: Here's the deal – Tuesday is Chocolate Day. We offer a multitude of ways to celebrate so take your pick or try them all . . . a chocolate-topped Long John in Job's Perk, a Chocolate Fudge Cake (full or mini) at the Katie's bakery counter,  the Stuffed Fudge Brownie in Katie's or the CV Steak Chocolate Mousse!   

Jessica as Vanna White

The Penny Progressive Jackpot in our casino is now over $60,000. You know what that means: Play will increase even more, the Jackpot will go up faster, and pretty darn soon someone will win enough money to buy a brand-new vehicle - or a couple of brand new vehicles depending on your tastes!  As a reminder, this Jackpot is not part of one of those statewide progressive jackpots that could "hit" anywhere. It will be paid right here at the Carson Valley Inn.  While we are on the subject, the Dollar Progressive at the CV Steak Bar is now over $5,300. Not a bad bet when you can find a seat . . . the word must already be out!

Best of Nevada – Again! We did it again – the Carson Valley Inn was voted Best Casino by the readers of Nevada Magazine in the "Everywhere Else" category. Sounds like a catchall category at first, so we did a little research. Seems there are 325 casinos in the state of Nevada with unrestricted gaming licenses. About half are in the greater Las Vegas area and about 40 are in the greater Reno/Sparks area - each of these two areas had their own winner. That left over 100 other casinos throughout the state and that's the category in which we were named "Best of Nevada" for the second-year in a row.  We consider this an honor and will continue to strive to provide the services, facilities and ambiance that will keep us pointed us in the direction of a three peat!

Concert Updates:

• 38 Special Concert on Thursday, July 23: This special evening of classic southern rock is just three weeks away . . . don't miss out!
• Moe Bandy & TG Sheppard Concert Tickets Available Today!  Moe Bandy and TG Sheppard were here within a few months of each other in late 2013 and early 2014 and both of these performers sold out their Valley Ballroom concerts. So, on August 8 we're bringing them together in the much larger TJ's Corral for a special night featuring both artists! Tickets go on sale today at 11 a.m. - just $29!

There are lots of Independence Day activities going on in and around the Carson Valley this weekend.  Can't list them all without getting the blog cops to go on "tilt," but here are two for Saturday, July 4:

• In the morning, we invite our Sharkey's neighbors to stop by Heritage Park (right across Hwy 395 from Sharkey's) for the Town of Gardnerville's Celebration which includes a fun run, Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast and obstacle course of the kids.
• Mid-morning and early afternoon, we invite our CVI neighbors to stop by Minden Park (just 2 blocks from the CVI) for the Town of Minden's Celebration which includes DJ music plus water games and free balloons and bounces houses for the kids. Food? Try free apple pie, free popsicles and, courtesy of the CVI, free hot dogs and hamburgers while they last! 

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Hey, Where'd My Horse Go? Over two dozen Horseless Carriage Club vehicles will continue to tie to the hitchin' post in our parking lot through tomorrow - a great way to experience the history of these pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicles built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916.
• Pink Snow? Seriously? We didn't know about this one until we stumbled across it on the Internet a week or so ago. It turns out that there's such a thing called Watermelon Snow, and, if you believe everything you read on the Internet, it apparently can be found somewhere nearby on the Western slope (that's California side) of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. How does it all work? What's it mean? Just check out this short video we found on weather.com.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the first piece in a 5-piece condiment set – we're giving away a different item each Wednesday! Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Independence Day Chocolate Shoppe Baskets, ladies-only drink specials and more.
• Elk Tenderloin Friday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Grilled Elk Medallions with a Brandy Cherry Demi served with fresh vegetable, choice of potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked) and tableside tossed salad all for $30. Sundays in CV Steak we feature one pound of King Crab Legs for $32 and that also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: Greg Austin is here tonight, True Willie is a tribute to the life and music of Willie Nelson Thursday, The Blues Monsters entertain Friday and Saturday and George Pickard appears Sunday through Wednesday nights.  You can also watch and bet Major League Baseball games, NASCAR and horseracing! 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, 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 who can 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!

Very Old Cars, Blood Drive, Concerts, It Sure Looks Like Willie and More!

Is One of These Three People Performing Next Week at the CVI? If you are a regular reader of our weekly Wednesday morning blog postings, you know that we will occasionally embellish things to make them sound a little more exhilarating. You can't really blame us; it's really tough these days to get anyone to read anything unless you can WOW them with something absolutely spectacular! So, back to the subject: Turns out one of the three people in this picture will actually perform in our Cabaret Lounge next Thursday, July 2 and it isn't one of the ladies. Stop by next Thursday evening, July 2 and check it out!

Concert Updates:

Rodney Atkins Concert this Saturday, June 27:  2006 Academy of Country Music Top New Male

Vocalist Rodney Atkins is performing live in TJs Corral this Saturday! With numerous Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music nominations, Rodney's No. 1 singles include "If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)," "Watching You," "These Are My People," "Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)" featured in The Bourne Legacy and "It's America."

Tanya Tucker Concert Friday, July 3: Nine-time Grammy nominee and recipient of eight Gold and four Platinum albums, Tanya Tucker has had 23 Top 40 albums and 56 Top 40 singles with 41 of these reaching the Top 10, 33 advancing to the Top 5, and 10 No. 1 hits.  A stellar career by any standards!

38 Special Concert on Thursday, July 23:  When you read "Quicken Loans Arena" what's the first thing that comes to your mind? If you're sports a fan of any level, you know that's the arena where the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month for the NBA Championship. How does that relate to our 38 Special Concert? If you live in the Cleveland area, and want to see 38 Special this July, you'll have to go to the massive Quicken Loans Arena and hope to catch a glimpse. If you're in northern Nevada and want to see 38 Special, you can catch them in the close-up setting of TJ's Corral where the furthest seat from the front of the stage is less than the length of an NBA basketball court.

Mike Pegram, Susie Messina, Sherry Dilly, Brenda Robertson, Jeri Johnson and Coach MIke Tice with check for $128,500 - before an additional $2,000 was received!

Mike Tice Charity Golf Weekend Yields $130K for Boys & Girls Club:

An incredible weekend of fun and generosity combined to raise over $130,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada, Carson Valley Branch. What an awesome effort by the friends of Mike Tice from around the country, the local sponsors and participants and the match contribution made by Mike Pegram. Some of the key things we learned this weekend:

• Mike Tice can sing as he proved (sort of) by joining in on some of the harmonies as Decades performed  Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" at the Crawfish Feed on Saturday night in TJ's Corral.
• TJ's Corral is the perfect venue for a summer night party as over 400 people showed us by turning what started out as a "how can this possibly be exciting" Crawfish Feed into a full-blown, high-energy party!
• Much to our surprise, you can cook and serve JT Restaurant and Bar French fries to 140 people over 5 hours on the 12^th tee at the Golf Club at Genoa Lakes!
• Given 40 women, two hours and an ample supply of wine, a good instructor can help all the participants turn out a fairly decent acrylic painting independent of their level of talent!
• Ask anyone who participated in the Saturday night party or the Sunday golf tournament what they thought . . . Every one of them told us they can't wait for next year's event! 

Blood Drive at CVI July 1. We know it's still a week away, but now is the time to pull out your calendar and mark down Wednesday, July 1 to donate blood right here at the Carson Valley Inn. United Blood Services is holding their annual All-American Blood Drive from noon to 6 PM next Wednesday in our parking lot. To make an appointment, you can go to www.bloodhero.com and enter code All American or call 800-696-4484. Not that anyone we know donates blood for this reason, but when you donate at any of the northern Nevada United Blood Services drives through September 5 you are able to enter a drawing to win a new 2015 4-Door Toyota Corolla LE Plus!

Ah Ha for Ahi! We used the picture to the left in one of our CV Steak Facebook Page postings earlier this week and it looked so very inviting we just had to use it again in our blog! This incredible appetizer is just $10 for a generous portion of seared Ahi Tuna server with a Yin and Yang of a wasabi soy sauce and a toasted sesame seed soy sauce. We also include a taste of wakami salad, pickled ginger and a dollop of straight Wasabi! CV Steak manager Mike Meza suggests a glass of Meiomi Pinot Noir to accompany your Ahi appetizer. Not that we doubt Mike, but we tried this combination and he is spot on!!

Horseless Carriage Motor Vehicles in Town Next Week: Watch around the CVI and the Carson Valley next week as the Horseless Carriage Club Harvest Tour headquarters here for festivities and tours Sunday through Thursday. A great opportunity to check out what the Horseless Carriage Club of America defines as "any pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916." 

As Always, Interesting, Helpful and Even Useful Tidbits and News

• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: The first 150 ladies to sign up tonight receive the last in the set of June canisters. Also enjoy hot seat drawings for Blue Cow Cheese Company Baskets, ladies-only drink specials and more.
• Duck Friday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday Game Special this week is Maple Leaf Farms Grilled Duck Breast served with fresh vegetable, choice of potato (au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked) and tableside tossed salad all for $28.00. Sundays in CV Steak we feature one pound of King Crab Legs for $32 and that also includes tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge: George Pickard is here tonight, The Vegas Road Show entertains Thursday through Saturday nights and Greg Austin appears Sunday through Wednesday nights.  You can also watch and bet Major League Baseball games, NASCAR and horseracing! 

Comments? Have questions or comments about the CVI? Use the comments section below, 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 who can 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!