Get Ready To Say 'Happy 100th, Las Vegas!'

City Plans Celebration In 2005

May 15, 2005, will mark the 100th anniversary of Las Vegas.

The city famous for its excess and extravagance will stay true to form, with a series of celebratory events recently unveiled by the city's Centennial Committee and Mayor Oscar Goodman.

The kickoff will come this New Year's Eve with the annual fireworks spectacular, which will be kicked up a notch or 10 with bigger and better pyrotechnics and a host of cutting-edge multimedia tricks designed to spotlight the city's history. Although plans are not finalized yet, the wish list includes a historical video, projected media, 200 light cannons, and a satellite feed so the entire world can watch.

During the official birthday week in May 2005, Las Vegas will see a return of the Helldorado festival, a kitschy western-themed event held in the city for more than 60 years until 1997. The centennial version will consist of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association Wintering Final Rodeo, a carnival, a western village on Fremont Street, parades and another big fireworks display.

Haven't had enough fireworks yet? Mark down Independence Day for yet another big bang as the city recreates a New Year's Eve-style event by closing down the Strip and launching fireworks from around the city. Major concerts by big name acts are promised at venues all over town.

Other, less showy centennial plans include a Las Vegas Walk of Fame, most likely on Fremont Street, featuring the people who helped make Vegas famous. It'll be pattered after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, only the Vegas version will use poker chip-shape plaques with the names instead of stars.

A time capsule, the world's largest birthday cake, an antique air show parade, historical markers, a mass wedding and much more are in the planning stages.

You can keep track of what's going on with the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration at LasVegas2005.org.

This Week's Trivia

Q: What major Strip resort opened on April 1, 1966? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

Get Ready To Say 'Happy 100th, Las Vegas!'

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In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

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