Slap Your Hand with a Ruler and Shove a Cupcake in Your Mouth!

She's Back and Poking Humorous Fun
at the Roots of Our Upbringing!

Sister’s Christmas Catechism:  If you are catholic, used to be catholic, know people who are catholic, dated someone catholic, heard or told a catholic joke or have ever seen a movie with Bradley Cooper (yep, he’s catholic), you are certain to enjoy this borderline irreverent and hilariously funny reflection on the guilt and fear that guided many a terrified soul into adulthood! We had the anchor show “Late Nite Catechism” here in 2014 and the Catholics and people from every other religion packed the Valley Ballroom with a sell-out crowd. There were lots of sore knuckles (sister’s ruler) and sore sides (laughing too hard). When we asked for the Christmas show for this year, Sister admonished us for putting so many people in the room last time that she couldn’t get around to smack everyone with the ruler and stop all the gum chewing. So, we’re honoring her request to have Sister’s Christmas Catechism run on two consecutive nights, Thursday and Friday, December 1 and 2. The show is the same both nights – at least it starts out with that intention. Tickets are $22 and are available at the hotel desk or you can order by phone at 775-783-6606. 

Hoppertunity Streaks to Big Win: After a disappointing last minute scratch from the Kentucky Derby in 2014, Mike Pegram’s now five-year-old Hoppertunity showed strong form last Saturday in streaking to the front with a furlong to go to win the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at Belmont Park. This is the thoroughbred’s most prestigious “in the money" finish since recovering from the injury that prevented starts in the 2014 Triple Crown races - the year that was dominated by then-locally-owned California Chrome.

TG Sheppard &Special Guest Kelly Lang Coming to CVI

Up-Close Interview with TG Sheppard: Tim Parsons from Tahoe OnStage had the opportunity to chat with TG Sheppard a few days ago and his interview at this link has  some insight into this country artist with 21 Number 1 Hits! Tim covers interesting trivia like how TG first met Elvis, how many times he’s appeared at The White House, and his collaborations with other country stars, 15 of whom perform on his latest album. TG Sheppard returns for a special acoustic concert in the Valley Ballroom on Saturday night, November 12. His wife Kelly Lang will be joining him and appearing as his special guest. Tickets are $25 and are available at the hotel desk or by calling 775-783-6606. A special 2-night hotel package is also available that includes tickets for TG’s Concert. All the details are at this link.

Unintended Consequence of a Few "Smart" Remarks!

Cupcake Shenanigans in Our Bakery: This all started out simple enough. Tuesday is Chocolate Cupcake Day. Innocently we went down to our bakery to take a couple of certain-to-be-boring photos of chocolate cupcakes just sitting around doing nothing. Mundi Hamilton, one of our lead bakers graciously agreed to top off one of the chocolate cupcakes for the picture. Matt Carter, our Dir. of Hotel Operations happened to wander by. We can’t remember all the details ‘cause it all happened so fast, but Matt said something like “wow, that looks good” followed by Mundi saying “would you like to try it” followed by a few other bakery-talk exchanges and the next thing you know we took this picture. If we had snapped it about two seconds later you would be seeing icing all over Matt’s face. Underneath he was smiling because it “really did taste good!” Chocolate cupcakes are just one of the many freshly baked items we sell at the bakery counter at the entrance to Katie’s. The tray we saw yesterday had fall and Halloween themed toppings. However, we’ll be glad to put together a half-dozen or more with whatever decorations you like . . . just stop by our bakery counter and let us know.

Sports and Race Book:

• This week you can bet Major League Baseball Playoffs, NFL and NCAA Football, NHL Hockey (starts tonight!) the WNBA Finals and Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR race.  Also on the board: updated futures bets on who will win the World Series, the 2016 Season NCAA Football Championship and the February, 2017 Super Bowl.
• The PRO PK’EM Parlay Progressive is now at $3242 – pick all 15 NFL games straight up on the $5 card and it’s yours!
• Chatter Around the Sportsbook with Mike and Jim.
• Jim was spot on last week when he suggested picking the Giants with Bumgarner pitching as Bum shutout the Mets to win the Wild Card game.  This week, Jim likes the Raiders at home against the Chiefs.
• Mike nailed both of his picks last week when he said take Texas and the points versus Oklahoma (they didn’t cover) and Purdue (won outright!) and the points against Illinois. This week, Mike says give the points and take two favorites – 10^th ranked and undefeated Nebraska at Indiana and Florida to cover against Missouri (more of a bet against Missou in this case)!

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge this Weekend

Free Entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge:  George Pickard entertains tonight,  The Voodoo Cowboys are in Thursday through Saturday, we show NFL Football on the Big Screen in the Cabaret on Sunday and Monday nights and Patrick Major performs next Tuesday and Wednesday. Playing together since 2009, the Voodoo Cowboys have appeared at most major casino venues in Nevada.  Not the cryin' in your beer type country band, they are the life of the party with their dance-inducing, hard drivin' country music and rock ‘n’ roll. The group has shared stages with such rock and country stars as David Nail, Little Texas, Ron Keel, Toby Keith and many more. Click here for the upcoming lineup of free entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge.

A Few Tidbits:

• Follow Me, Mom & Dad: Today is Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. Might we persuade you to bring them to Katie’s?!
• Do Overs! Monday is Mulligan Day. A good reason to remind you now is the time many of the golf groups that will visit the Carson Valley Inn in 2017 are booking their arrangements with us. We offer a variety of group packages and hope you’ll take this as a prod to give Greg a call at 775-783-6615 to learn how we can set up a package for your group!

• In the Casino
• Ladies’ Night Tonight: Join us 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free Pumpkin Coasters to the first 150 ladies, Bath & Bodyworks Gift Baskets as hot seat prizes, games, drink specials, FREE Bingo and chances to win drawing entries for the October 26 drawing for a free Coach Handbag and Wallet.  
• Bingo Thursday: Come in and play Bingo on the odd hour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and win $50 - $100 instantly!  Simply be in the casino playing slots or table games using your INN Club card and watch for our staff bringing around Free Bingo Cards. 
• Friday Drawings: Weekly drawings in our October Progressive Giveaways Promotion are at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. with plenty of cash and free play and the chance to win the $5,000 progressive jackpot. Use your INN Club card while you play!
• 4X Points Saturday: Every Saturday in October earn 4X Points all day.
• Free T-Shirt Mondays: We're giving away Free Long Sleeve CVI T-Shirts every Monday through October 24th!  To qualify, simply earn 75 points the same day and the free T-Shirt is yours . . . plus you keep the points! The gray shirts went out last Monday . . . watch for a different color each Monday.
• Senior Mondays: Seniors 55 and over are invited to our Senior Mondays during October from 8 AM to 11 AM in the Cabaret Lounge. We have free coffee and cookies, free bingo games and a chance to win free play and cash!
• Our Penny Progressive had topped $24,000 on Tuesday Night and this jackpot can only be won on one of the Triple Red Hot 7's slots at the CVI, Sharkey’s or Bodines.
• Poker Room: Our Poker Room offers a Monday Night Football squares grid plus Featured Games, Tournaments and Special Promotions with something going on every day of the week.  Click here for all that’s happening in our poker room
• Here’s a Handy Page with all our October Casino Promotions!
• In Our Restaurants
• Wednesday is Italian Day/Night in Katie’s – three specials for just $6.99 each! Check all the Katie’s Daily Specials at this link.
• The 18-Piece Sushi Platter Special is served in CV Steak on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Rack Of Venison for $32.  Saturday night’s special is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. All three 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!

Comedy Hypnotist, Cash Party, Valentine's Day Dining, Mother's Day Weekend Package, More

Comedy Hypnotist Chris Cady – Whatcha Need to Know!

We’ve received questions regarding Hypnotist Chris Cady’s Comedy Hypnosis Show in the Valley ballroom on Wednesday night, February 17. The two most common are “how do I volunteer to get hypnotized?” and “who makes the best subjects?” According to Chris, women make the best subjects - especially creative, artistic women. He also indicated that over the years he has hypnotized plenty of men including entire football teams and U.S. Marines! Regarding who gets to join him on stage, Chris was very clear in pointing out that no one is forced. He suggests you just be in the front and “jump up and down” when he asks for volunteers. For more on how the show transpires, check the video above or read this story in The Record Courier posted by Sarah Hauck who interviewed Chris a few days ago. As a reminder, the doors open at 7:00, the show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are just $15 at the hotel desk or call 775-783-6606. 21 or over for this show.

You Overdid it on Super Bowl Sunday? Perhaps you stayed out too late at a Super Bowl party. Perhaps you drank too much before and during the game. Or, perhaps you were basing your financial future on Carolina and the overs. Here are a few ways to try to “atone.” They may or may not work for you, but they are definitely worth a try:

• Valentine’s Day Dinner: CV Steak and Katie's are each offering two Valentine's Day dinner specials in addition to our regular menu items this Sunday. Information on the specials is at this link. Reservations are a must in CV Steak so call today: 775-783-6650.
• Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend: we covered this in more detail last week but our reservations manager asked we re-emphasize that, while we are offering a special package, we are restricted to a finite number for Friday and Saturday, April 29 & 30, 2016. The details are at this link.
• Mother’s Day Weekend Getaway: a great getaway whether you’re trying to get out of the doghouse or just want to surprise your spouse: A hotel room for Friday and Saturday night, May 6 & 7 plus a $60 dining card for use in CV Steak, Katie’s or Job’s Perk during your stay. The details are at this link. 

Love + Luck = Lots of Cash!

In conjunction with our two sister properties, Sharkey's Casino and Bodines Casino, our $80,000 All Cash Love & Luck Giveaways promotion kicks into gear this Sunday, February 14  with daily swipe & win at the casino kiosks, Friday and Saturday night drawings, Cash Parties on February 27 and March 19, and grand prize drawings on March 31!  We're starting this promotion on Valentine's Day - most commonly associated with Love, and continuing it through the month of March anchored by St. Patrick's Day, most commonly associated with Luck. Everyone likes, appreciates and prefers an all-cash promotion once in a while so we're offering many opportunities to luck into some money as we spread around a total of $80,000 with every penny of it being given away in cash!  As always, we include the following which gets us off the hook for any "that's not what we got from reading your blog" claims: Complete promotion details are available at the Guest Services counter at all three locations.

But First, More Cash Saturday: Our $75,000 King of Cash Promotion finale is this Saturday with a Cash Party from 1 to 8 p.m.  Events include drawings, hot seat giveaways, lite snacks and over $10,000 in cash combined between CVI and Bodines Casino including two guaranteed $1000 cash winners – one at CVI and one at Bodines Casino.

Free Cabaret Lounge Entertainment: Steve Lord is here tonight, The Blues Monsters entertain Thursday through Saturday and George Pickard returns Sunday through Wednesday. The Blues Monsters is a popular red-hot rockin' blues band from the North Lake Tahoe and Reno area. The quartet performs a powerfully unique combination of R&B, funk, jazz, and Chicago-style blues. Whether paying respects to the masters of traditional blues, or rockin' out other tunes, The Blues Monsters get the whole house up and dancing!

Race and Sports Book:

• This week you can watch and bet Horseracing, NBA and College Basketball and NHL Hockey.  We are also taking action on the NBA All-Star Game and some of the preliminary events such as the slam dunk contest and the three-point contest. Also on the board are the drivers and odds to win the Daytona 500 which kicks off the NASCAR season on February 21.
• Mike’s horse Hoppertunity won the San Antonio Stakes under jockey Flavien Prat at Santa Anita last Saturday. 
• Pro PK’EM Progressive Jackpot Split 2 Ways: Two lucky sports book guests picked 12 out of 15 correct on the final Pro PK’EM Progressive Jackpot parlay card for the Super Bowl game. One ticket was played at Bodines Casino, the other at Carson Valley Inn. Both winners have  claimed their prizes: $2,571 in cash each! Thank you to all who participated in this season’s contest!

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

• Tonight’s Ladies Night features a Ladies-only kiosk game for Outdoor Frog Thermometers, free play, food comps and drawing entries for grand prize drawings on Feb. 24. Also on tap: Hot Seat drawings for Chocolate Shoppe Valentine's Baskets.
• The Italian Specials in Katie's on Wednesdays in February are Cheese Tortellini Carbonara, Chicken Piccata and Meat Lasagna – served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for just $5.99. Continuing the theme, Italian Wedding Meatball Soup is $1.99 for a cup and $2.99 for a bowl . . . And you can add a glass of house wine for just $2.
• Quail Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, King Crab Sunday in CV Steak:  Our Friday special in CV Steak is Roasted Stuffed Quail for $28. Saturday night’s special  is Garlic Studded Prime Rib for $26 and Sunday's special is one pound of King Crab Legs for $32. All three 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.
• Because We Feel Like Mentioning It:
• Friday is Lost Penny Day. In stumbling across this piece of information of otherwise questionable importance, we were reminded that we have not mentioned our Penny Progressive Jackpot in a while. Last we checked it had climbed over $19,000 and is starting to attract more attention since it can be all be won for a 90-Penny bet.
• Saturday is Tortellini Day. We suggest you celebrate either today or next Wednesday with the Cheese Tortellini Carbonara $5.99 special in Katie’s. 

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!

It's Only Rock & Roll - and Golf, Too!

It’s Only Rock & Roll  . . . but if you like it, you'll hear plenty of it on Thursday through Saturday nights, February 19-21 when It’s Only Rock & Roll takes the stage in our Cabaret Lounge with a song list of over three dozen rock 'n roll classics. We're talking the big ones like So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star (The Byrds and later Tom Petty), I Love Rock & Roll (Joan Jett), Heart Of Rock & Roll (Huey Lewis), Old Time Rock & Roll (Bob Seger), It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me (Billy Joel), Rock & Roll All Night (Kiss), Rock & Roll Never Forgets (Bob Seger), It’s Only Rock & Roll (Rolling Stones) and many more.  This group presents a great tribute to the many bands and artists who shaped the roots and explosion of rock 'n roll. You can catch it all free in our Cabaret Lounge on Thursday, February 19 from 8 PM to midnight and on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21 from 8 PM to 1 AM.

Thank You!  Last Friday was definitely a challenge for many in the Carson Valley due to the incredible windstorm and ensuing damage and power outages. We were fortunate to have about half of our electrical service working plus two generators. While not at full electrical power, we were able to operate both CV Steak and Katie's. Over 5,000 local households were without power from early afternoon until after 9 PM and so very many of you came to the Carson Valley Inn for dinner, warmth, or just to get out of the house. Our normal winter weekend staffing levels, coupled with many hundred more people than we expected, produced large crowds and long waits. Our staff (many at work while knowing they had sustained damage at their homes ) did a great job, our hotel and local guests were so very understanding, courteous and patient . . . and somehow we all got through it. To the locals, visitors, and passers by who joined us either Friday night or early Saturday morning when some were still without power, we offer our sincere thanks!

Time to Tee It Up for Our Spring Stag Golf Outing: The Carson Valley's unofficial kickoff to the group golf season, our Annual Spring Stag Invitational Golf Outing, is just over two months away on the weekend of April 23 – 25. We are excited to again be featuring the revitalized Lakes and Ranch Courses at Genoa Lakes. The new owners told us this time last year that they would make improvements, and they definitely exceeded our expectations with many positive changes at both courses during 2014 and more to come during 2015!  

     Our Annual Spring Stag starts with a Thursday optional Practice Round at Genoa Lakes followed by a Welcoming Reception on Thursday evening with cocktails, plenty of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and a tee prize package for each participant. Golf is on Friday and Saturday at the two Genoa Lakes courses. The Saturday-Night Banquet includes cocktails, dinner, an abundance of raffle prizes and more. This all adds up to a great Guys Weekend of fun both on and off the course!

     Ladies, tell your golfing husbands, boyfriends, fathers and sons. Guys, plan to attend and invite the office crew, men's club and your golfing friends. 

Beef Wars! The CV Steak 9-ounce Filet Mignon made the cut in the Beef Wars polling by carsonvalleytimes.com. This favorite features a Certified Angus Beef filet grilled to order and served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato – au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . it's quite the filling repast all for $30.00. Sound good? Give it your thumbs up at this link when the polls for the finals open on Monday.

Horse Sense:

• Friday Started Good: Midnight Hawk won the $60,000 allowance feature at Santa Anita Park. "Hawk" is owned by the CVI's Mike Pegram, Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville, Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Kitchen, Oakland Raiders new Offensive Line Coach Mike Tice (more on Coach Tice in the Tidbits section below) and John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings.
• Saturday Tapered Off: Two local favorites, Steve Colburn's California Chrome and Mike Pegram's Hoppertunity finished 2^nd and 3^rd in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

It's About the Money!

• Two of the three winners from our Super Bowl Sunday Pro PK'EM Progressive Parlay Card have claimed their winnings. One more person picked 13 out of 15 "prop bets" and has $1,667 in cash waiting for them. Have the ticket? Stop by the sportsbook at CVI or Bodines Casino.
• $1,675.00 in cash was won at our Monthly Blackjack Tournament last night. The top three finishers were Jack J. ($838), Juan S ($502) and Butch M. ($335). Mark your calendar for the next tournament on March 10. Just a $25 buy-in!

Status of Some Upcoming Events at the CVI:

• Valentine's Day: Last reminder - it's this Saturday, February 14. Please join us for dinner  . . . CV Steak and Katie's each have Two Specials plus the regular menu.
• Ducks Unlimited Dinner this Saturday: Still a few tickets left – call Scott Shattock at 760-221-3431.
• Republican Lincoln/Reagan Dinner this Sunday: Newly elected Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt will be the keynote speaker - for tickets call Linda Ruisi at 775-392-1038.
• Clay Shooting Weekend: Last call for sign-ups for our 2015 Clay Shooting Weekend February 19 – 21. Call Jacki at 775-783-6665.
• Eagles & Agriculture: Still openings for the popular anchor event, the Ranch Tour, on both Saturday and Sunday, February 21 & 22. Get all the information by clicking here or call the Chamber at 775-782-8144.

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Paul Covarelli is on stage tonight, Jo Mama with Special Guest Stew Stewart anchors the weekend Thursday – Saturday nights, Greg Austin entertains Sunday through Wednesday nights and don't miss It's Only Rock & Roll starting Thursday, February 19.
• Football Doldrums: We know that football fans are suffering personal angst dealing with the
  
  off-season.  OTA trivia, free agency speculations and draft sports talk ad nauseam just doesn't fill the cavernous void. There is a light at the end of the tunnel: With Mike Tice now on the Raiders coaching staff we are sure to see more "local" flair when the Mike Tice Invitational Golf Tournament returns to the CVI and Genoa Lakes this June . . . all for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley.
• Megabucks Jackpot tops Ten Million: The Megabucks Jackpot is over Ten Million Dollars again . . . here's a link to check out the current amount.
• Roasted Stuffed Quail Friday in CV Steak: With prosciutto, wild rice and plum port glaze. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$28.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get the 2^nd in the series of four February Skin-Care products tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings, ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament and more.
• Triple Play: Three notable "days" in a cluster – with links to more information on each: Saturday is Valentine's Day, Monday is President's Day and Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras.
• Want Longer Days? Here's a thought . . .  Daylight Savings Time starts in just a few weeks!

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!

Horses, Cowboy Festival, Job Openings, More

Super Bowl Weekend Wind Down:

• $5000 Guaranteed Payout Deflated: Well, not really . . . But we just had to use the term deflated in here somewhere! Truth is that no one person will collect the $5,000 we guaranteed because three people got 13 out of the 15 proposition bets correct and they each wind up with $1,667! Only one of the three has come forward at this point. So, if you played one of the $5 Pro PK'EM Progressive Parlay Cards for the Super Bowl game and you think you might have gotten 13 out of 15, stop by the Sports Book at CVI or Bodines Casino and let us check your card as some cash could be coming your way!
• Super Bowl Conspiracy Theory Debunked: We've heard the conspiracy theories that either
  
  the NFL or NBC conspired to create that incredible fourth-quarter reception by the Seahawks followed by the almost-not-possibly-true interception two plays later by the Patriots. We decided to do our own research and found that, as has been the case for many years with many mysteries,the Butler did it in both cases! 

Horse Racing News:

• Hoppertunity and California Chrome Face Off Saturday: It was supposed to happen last year in the Kentucky Derby. Here we are nine months later and it's supposed to happen again Saturday: Two local favorites, Mike Pegram's Hoppertunity and Steve Colburn's California Chrome are both scheduled to run in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita Park this Saturday. We are rooting for a 1- 2 finish for these two great thoroughbreds with Carson Valley ties. 
• Speaking of Mike's Horses, he had two close seconds at Santa Anita last weekend with both Secret Circle and Gimme Da Lute paying the "place" amount.

A Horse of a Different Color

About a year ago the Carson Valley Visitors Authority released the first in a series of Carson Valley Rider videos - this one depicting the Carson Valley Rider visiting the Carson Valley Inn and meeting up with Elvis. Initially, this video just had a music background, now it sports a narrative telling more about the Carson Valley Inn.

Katie's New 24/7 Special is a $5.99 Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs plate. The Chicken Fried Steak is hearty, your two eggs can be any style, and we also include a biscuit and gravy – it's a generous plateful and an incredible value at just $5.99. Katie's Offers a number of specials and all the details are here.

Following up on Two "More Next Week" Mentions in Last Week's Blog:

• $1,000 Guaranteed Winner Every Friday & Saturday Night: We mentioned last week that our Friday and Saturday night drawings have taken a new twist for February. Here it is: our drawings are at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM every Friday and Saturday - that's eight nights during February and we guarantee there will be a $1000 winner each of these nights! Earn drawing tickets all month by using your Inn Club card when playing in the casino. Click here for more on all of our February Promotions.
• Poker Room $2,000 Free Roll Tournament: we mentioned some of the new February poker room promotions last week. . . We also mentioned that there is a $2000 free roll tournament coming up. Here's how it works: we'll be keeping track of all the Inn Club points that players earn in the poker room during February and March. As the month gets going, we'll start posting a leaderboard each week – we call it the Ladder – so everyone will have a chance to see where they rank as the next two months move along. The top 40 people on the "Ladder" as of March 31 will qualify for a free spot in the $2,000 Free Roll Tournament on April 11!  Be sure to check out all the Poker Room's special games and promotions.

Some Holidays and Special Events:

• Valentine's Day: Whatever we said in last week's blog must have worked – there are very few spots open in CV Steak for Valentine's Day dinner on February 14. So, if you're still thinking about it, call today at 775-783-6650. For a refresher on the specials in both CV Steak and Katie's, Click Here.
• Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Package:  Here we go again with another "this thing is sure to sell out so be sure to act fast" claim . . . But it is well justified. We have just one dozen Genoa Cowboy Festival Weekend Special Packages to sell at $279 plus tax for May 1 & 2. Each includes a room for two people for Friday and Saturday nights, two front-section tickets for the Friday night concert, two front-section tickets for the Saturday night concert and a $50 food credit.

Need a Job? If so, you have come to the right place! We have almost a dozen different positions open right now and the Carson Valley Inn is a pretty darn good place to work!  We offer paid time off (PTO), a free meal each shift, holiday premium pay, and . . . . well, a bunch more. If you are interested in employment at the Carson Valley, or have a friend or relative who might be, click here for more on what we offer and details for the positions that are currently open.

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

• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Steve Lord is on stage tonight, Decades returns by popular demand Thursday – Saturday nights and Paul Covarelli entertains Sunday through Wednesday nights. Our web site has our schedule of upcoming entertainment.
• $12,000 Winner Last Friday: It came down to five finalists who participated in a poker hand type showdown. The winner of the $12,000 was a very nice local lady who requested that her name not be released and that we not use her picture - we always honor these requests.  If you were here, you know who it was!
• Grilled Elk Medallions Friday in CV Steak:  Two 3 oz. elk tenderloin medallions grilled and finished with the demi and sundried cherries. Chef does not recommend cooking temps over medium. Served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable and your choice of potato - au gratin, baked, or a one-pound, twice-baked potato . . . all for $$29.00.
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Get first of four weekly skin care products tonight and also enjoy hot seat drawings and a ladies-only drink special. Earn just 50 points between 4 and 8:00 p.m. today and you qualify for our Wednesday ladies-only slot tournament!

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!

Hoppertunity Wins, Snow Dance Needed, BLM Wants Your Opinion, Savor the Flavor, More

Hoppertunity Wins San Pasqual Stakes!   Mike's horse Hoppertunity, ridden by Martin Garcia, gave Hall of Fame trainer and Mike's good friend Bob Baffert his fifth crown in last Saturday's $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Bob is one of the three finalists for the Trainer of the Year at this Saturday's Eclipse Awards ceremonies at Gulfstream Park in Florida. You may remember that Hoppertunity was scratched from the Kentucky Derby just days before the race last May with a small hoof crack. The colt has now won half of his eight career starts with two seconds.

Anyone Know a Good Snow Dance?  Actually, it really doesn't have to be "good" or even entertaining – just effective! The nearby Sierra skiing is good now, but the slopes will need a refreshed white coating in the next couple of weeks . . . Thus the request for a snow dance! And of course we have an ulterior motive: We have a specially priced ski weekend package for arrival on Friday, February 6! There's two nights in the hotel, two days of skiing (one each at Kirkwood and Heavenly), dining credits for CV Steak or Katie's, and a warm CVI Logo sweatshirt for après ski lounging! How does it all work? What is the cost? Click here and check it out!

A Hawk and an Eagle Decide to Race - Who Wins?  Different birds fly and dive at different speeds. You'll learn about all about it - and much more - at the annual Eagles and Agriculture event on February 20 – 22 with most of the indoor events right here at the Carson Valley Inn. There are also ranch tours, owl prowls, photography seminars, and, if everything goes like it usually does, plenty of opportunity to see and photograph the eagles and other raptors that visit the Carson Valley every February during the calving season. Get all the information from the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce by clicking here or calling them at 775-782-8144. And please don't wait too long . . . The most popular Eagles and Agriculture events usually sell out in advance.

BLM Wants Your Opinion – Here at the CVI: The Bureau of Land Management is asking for comments about its Carson City District Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The plan addresses areas of critical environmental concern, lands and realty, utility corridors, wind energy, travel management, recreation, fish and wildlife, minerals, wild and scenic rivers, public health and safety, and visual resource management. Three public meetings to review comments are coming up including one here in our Valley Ballroom from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22. Copies of the documents are available in the Carson City District Office or at this link. How big is the Carson City District?  Try approximately 4.8 million acres (bigger than the size of New Jersey) of public land in 11 counties within two states!

Soroptimist Savor the Flavor: We mentioned this event in last week's blog and a few people asked us what it's all about. Pretty simple . . . It's an evening of fine wines, microbrews and spirits! Enjoy all you want of food samplings from almost a dozen area restaurants and wash it down with a variety of wines and microbrews – it's all included in the $50 ticket price! The 19th Annual Savor the Flavor is here in our Valley Ballroom on Saturday, January 24 and it's produced proudly by Soroptimist International of Carson Valley to raise funds for the many community organizations they support. More information is available by calling Jeri at 775-771-6432.

Winter Weekend for Two Still Up for Grabs: Great response so far to the note we had in last week's blog about this giveaway!! As a reminder, you can win a Deluxe room for two for Friday and Saturday nights, February 4 and 5 plus $100 in Dining Credit for use during your stay in any of our restaurants.  To enter to win this complimentary weekend visit, simply click here and send us an email with your name. We'll choose a winner this coming Tuesday and announce the winner in our blog on Wednesday, January 20. One entry per email address, please.

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

• Monthly Blackjack Tournament Winners: David Myers captured first place and won $590 in our first monthly blackjack tournament of 2015 last night. The remainder of the pot went $350for second to Teresa Sexton and  $235 for third to Diana Plavala. The next tournament is Tuesday, February 10 and the entry is just $25.
• Free Entertainment in the Cabaret: Greg Austin tonight, Decades Thursday – Saturday night, NFL Divisional Championship Games daytime Sunday, Dale Poune Sunday through Wednesday nights. Decades presents a vibrant and diverse act from Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" to Katy Perry’s “California Girls."  The energetic young group's harmonies and energized rhythm section truly shine when playing hits from the 1950's to today.
• Roasted Stuffed Quail Friday in CV Steak: with prosciutto, wild rice and plum port glaze, served with tableside-tossed salad, vegetable all for $28.00.
  
• Wednesday Ladies' Night 5:30 to 8:30 PM: Tonight and every Wednesday in January we're giving away a different collectible mug to the first 150 ladies who sign up. We also have ladies-only drink specials, a ladies-only slot tournament, hot seat prizes and more.
• Pro PK'em Progressive Jackpot Update: Another week without a winner so the pot goes up to $4684 and we try again with this weekend's two NFL Conference Championship. It's just $5 per parlay card - pick all 15 propositions and you win progressive jackpot.
• Super Weekend Kickoff: We're working on the final details for a Tailgate Party on Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 4 PM in TJ's Corral with entertainment by The Blues Monsters, food and drinks for sale, former NFL players on hand and more . . . watch for details in next week's blog.

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!

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!