Fernley marked its 25th anniversary as an incorporated city with a celebration that honored the people who helped build the community, remembered its history and offered a glimpse of what comes next.
Mayor Neal E. McIntyre opened the ceremony by inviting Fernley’s first mayor, David Stix, to say a few words.
“Thank you,” Stix said.
“Well, THAT was a few words,” McIntyre replied, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The lighthearted exchange set the tone for a celebration centered on Fernley’s people and the strong sense of community that has carried the city through its first quarter-century.
Brandi Jensen recognized several longtime residents, including Almeda Collins, born in 1926, who was honored as Fernley’s oldest resident but was unable to attend.
Oscar Thomas, 99, joined the ceremony by phone. Thomas, a World War II veteran who served in the South Pacific, briefly addressed those gathered before concluding simply, “Thank you very much.”
Victoria Macantiar was recognized as Fernley’s longest consecutive resident.
“I would have been born here if there was a hospital,” she said. “Surely I will die here because there is a cemetery.”
Regina Brush also shared memories of her life in the community.
“I think I have had the best life here in Fernley,” Brush said.
McIntyre noted that Brush had been his elementary school teacher. He recalled that when boys were excluded from the regular choir, Brush started an extracurricular boys’ choir so they would have a place to sing.
The ceremony also recognized the winners of the city’s Best Photo Contest. Jessica Stranger won for her photograph, “4th of July,” and Richard Jackson was honored for his “Depot Photo.”
Jessica Murdoch and April Hommes were recognized for their leadership in planning the city’s 25th anniversary events.
The celebration also looked toward Fernley’s future with the unveiling of pieces of new public artwork planned for the city’s roundabout.
Jim and Michelle, owners of Twisted Steel, displayed an eagle and bighorn sheep that will be incorporated into the completed installation.
Michelle said she thought about “structure, strength, and how individual pieces connect to make something special” while creating the artwork, a description that also reflected the community being celebrated.
The roundabout concept has been approved by the Nevada Department of Transportation and is expected to be installed this fall. The finished project will include landscaping, plants, a 9-foot bronze stallion, an eagle, a bighorn sheep and a cowboy hat.
McIntyre closed the ceremony by thanking city staff members, volunteers and organizers who helped make the anniversary celebration possible.
“The story of Fernley is still being written,” he said. “Great things are happening in Fernley.”
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