City of Fallon Newsletter

For the second year in a row, Fallon is rolling out the welcome mat for thousands of youth football players, coaches, families and fans.

On August 13, the Sierra Youth Football League Experience (SYFL) will come to town for the scrimmages and practices that mark the official start of the football season. We would like the SYFL Experience to be here every year, but it is contingent on board approval every two years.

“Fallon has a venue that meets all of our needs exceptionally well, and volunteers were outstanding last year. We received so many positive comments about the way the Fallon community supported the event,” said Jill Whitbeck, cheer director for SYFL.

Whitbeck said the city’s traffic management, well-organized parking and multiple cooling stations made the event go off without a hitch.

This year, Fallon is doing even more for the SYFL Experience. As attendees arrive on Friday night they will be greeted by Experience Fallon, an event showcasing food from local restaurants and offerings from local businesses. SYFL Experience members will also have free access to the community pool, and outdoor activities like a rock climbing wall, bounce house, football games and prizes, and DJ music at Oats Park.

“SYFL Experience attendees won’t have to go hunting for the best of Fallon,” said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority. “Experience Fallon puts it all right in front of them, allowing them to sample the fine food, produce and shopping that defines our business community.”

The August 12 Experience Fallon event is open to any local business that wants to have a booth, and local residents are encouraged to attend and rediscover their local restaurant and business community. Contact the Fallon Tourism Office, (775) 423-4556, for additional information.

A familiar face took the helm of the Fallon Chamber of Commerce in April and is spearheading key local campaigns like Live Local Fallon.

Natalie Parrish is a Churchill County High School graduate, a former account executive with the Lahontan Valley News, and worked with the Churchill County Social Services Department and the Churchill Economic Development Authority.

“Natalie brings a strong understanding of Fallon’s economy and business climate to the Chamber and will be an asset as we take the steps needed to revitalize our organization,” said Christy Lattin, Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board President.

Parrish announced the launch of Live Local Fallon at a community concert at Oats Park on June 18, and will be working to make the campaign a success with local residents, businesses and visitors.

Live Local Fallon celebrates Fallon’s wealth of agriculture, shopping, dining and events. The campaign encourages residents and visitors to support the unique farms, businesses and festivals that give Fallon its flavor and flair. By connecting local citizens with local businesses and activities, Live Local Fallon seeks to strengthen the city’s community and economy, and build a better tomorrow for the local business owners and residents who have chosen to put down roots in Fallon.

Parrish is also working with chamber volunteers to help establish a new young professionals group, the Next Generation, to help support second- and third-generation business men and women as they step into leadership roles in their various companies. The nonprofit Fallon Chamber of Commerce is led by a volunteer board of directors, and supports more than 200 member businesses in Fallon, Churchill County and the surrounding area.

Mouth-watering pizza made from local meats and produce are two ingredients of the recipe that has made the Pizza Barn a Fallon institution since 1978. The restaurant is also an informal community center, and a consistent supporter of Fallon schools and youth clubs.

Founded by UNR graduate and Washoe County school teacher Roger Diedrichsen and his brother Lane, the Pizza Barn’s hand-crafted dough and premium ingredients have won over generations of Fallon pizza fans with everything from pies to the restaurant’s unique “Barn Wedges” and “Hotsacks.” Sourcing ingredients from Heck’s Meats, and Lattin and Workman farms, the Pizza Barn’s pizza and salad bars are truly locally crafted.

During their over 30 years of turning out hand-made pizzas, the Diedrichsens have taken the time to support 4-H clubs, and launched a “Read for Pizza” program that has encouraged entire classes of Fallon school children to read literature.

Today, the Pizza Barn remains the family affair it was when it started. Owner Roger Diedrichsen can be seen behind the register or slinging dough most days of the week, and the business’ commitment to its customers and its community remains as strong as ever.

The Pizza Barn has locations in Fallon and Elko, and has a monthly special each month. July’s special are Spinach Garlic pizzas up to $5 off, Pastrami and Cheese Hotsacks and a $3.95 CB Club sandwich. Check the restaurant’s website at www.pizzabarnnevada.com for information on the August special.

If you know a business that would be a great candidate for the business spotlight please email cityoffallon@gmail.com.