CARSON CITY, Nev. — Four statewide Nevada Day parades, including a first-time parade in Las Vegas, are set for this fall to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Nevada’s statehood.
“Nevada Day is one of those unique celebrations that truly captures the heritage of our state’s sense of community and spirit,” Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, Nevada 150 Sesquicentennial Commission chairman, said. “While we thoroughly enjoy our parades and long-beard contests, it is a celebration of who we are. Being Nevada’s 150th birthday only makes the day more meaningful.”
Nevada Day Parade in Carson City
The Carson City Nevada Day Parade begins Nov. 1 at the intersection of William and Carson streets and concludes at the intersection of Stewart and Carson streets. Events begin at 8 a.m. with a hot air balloon launch near the Carson Mall, 1227 Carson St., weather permitting. At 10 a.m., a military flyover will signal the start of the parade.
“Happy 150th Birthday Nevada” is the theme for this year’s event. The annual tradition features more than 200 parade entrants, including local law enforcement, public officials, floats, marching bands, entertainment and even the occasional celebrity appearance.
“For more than 75 years, the Nevada Day Parade has been an institution and a source of pride for Nevada,” Ken Hamilton, president of the nonprofit Nevada Day, Inc., said. “With this year being the 150th anniversary of Nevada’s statehood, it’s a wonderful opportunity for Nevadans and visitors to come be a part of our state’s history.”
The Nevada Day celebration will continue that weekend with dozens of special events taking place in Northern Nevada. For more, visit the website www.NevadaDay.com.
Virginia City Nevada Day Parade
The Virginia City parade — celebrating Halloween as well as Nevada’s 150th anniversary —will begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Fourth Ward School, 537 C St., and continue down C Street. The event will be followed by the Nevada 150 Masquerade Ball at Piper’s Opera House.
The 19th century mining bonanza known as the Comstock Lode turned Virginia City into one of the most important industrial cities between Denver and San Francisco, and drew prospectors from all over the world. The riches from Virginia City led to the early development of western Nevada and the Silver State’s entry into the Union on Oct. 31, 1864.
“The gold and silver from Virginia City played a huge role in Nevada becoming the 36th state,” Deny Dotson, director of the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “We are excited to host the Nevada Day Parade in conjunction with our Nevada 150 Masquerade Ball, right here where it all began, in Virginia City.”
For more on the Virginia City parade or the Masquerade Ball, visit the website www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call 775-847-7500.
Las Vegas Nevada Day Parade
The Las Vegas Nevada Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 31 along Fourth Street. The two-hour parade will feature 150 parade entries in six categories: float, equestrian, marching band, motorized vehicle, walking group and other. Cash prizes will be awarded in the following categories: overall best of; best historical significance; best float; best equestrian; best marching band; and best vehicle. The city of Las Vegas is producing the parade, made possible through a $100,000 grant from the Las Vegas Centennial Commission through its Las Vegas Centennial History Grant Program.
“Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and we are excited to be hosting a fabulous sesquicentennial parade to celebrate Nevada Day,” Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman said. “I want to the thank the Centennial Commission for contributing funding for this event to celebrate this major milestone for our state.”
Details: 702-229-6674 or email to [email protected]. For a parade application, visit the website www.LasVegasNevada.gov.
Elko Nevada Day Parade
Elko’s 27th annual Nevada Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Crystal Theater and continue to the Elko County Fairgrounds. Jim and Rose Conner, chairmen of the event, will start taking parade entries Oct. 1 until the day of the parade. The event is sponsored by the Elko Knights of Columbus Council #2511.
“Elko is truly proud of its Nevada heritage and we are Battle Born and Nevada proud,” Don Newman, executive director of the Elko Convention & Visitors Authority and Nevada 150 Sesquicentennial Commission member, said. “We look forward to celebrating Nevada’s 150th birthday in style at our annual Nevada Day Parade through downtown Elko.”
Details: Rose Conner, 775-738-7991.
Nevada’s Sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of Nevada’s admission to the Union, will provide opportunities for celebration and reflection as Nevadans come together to commemorate shared history and to build a foundation of cultural appreciation for generations to come. Nevada’s one-of-a-kind and diverse history will be celebrated throughout the state for an entire year in order to promote pride in the shared heritage of all Nevadans. Nevada’s Sesquicentennial celebration commenced on Nevada Day 2013 and will conclude with an expanded Nevada Day celebration October 2014. For more information, please visit www.nevada150.org.
