People gathered in Carson City Saturday evening to honor the state we live in. Nevada is celebrating its 142nd birthday.

The celebration was at Mills Park, where a carnival is underway.

But it was the sights and sounds from Saturday morning that got everyone in the party mood.

For some Nevada Day weekend was a time to lace up the running shoes. Hundreds of runners set the pace during the 18th annual Carson Nugget Nevada Day Classic run and walk.

Others took to the skies over the capital city providing the balloons for the silver state's birthday.

On the ground, celebrations continued with thousands watching the annual parade with front row seats. From parents, to kids, even the family pets.

The parade had plenty of favorites. There were also some crazy characters and lots of floats. But it was a dog driving a car that had many people doing a double take.

Any other day a dog driving a car might seem a bit, well, strange but not this time, not for Nevada Day. Those who came out to the event say it's become a family tradition.

But for some, its a new one. It's also a fun way to learn how Nevada became a state.