Contacts:
Erica D. Johnson, R&R Partners, 702.318.4269
Lori Nelson, R&R Partners, 702.318.4209

LeRoy Neiman Kicks Off April Events By Unveiling Centennial Painting April 1

Visual Tribute Captures Essence, Excitement of a City Built on Self-Expression

LAS VEGAS, March 30, 2005 - The dynamic nature of Las Vegas has often served as inspiration for the paintings of America's most celebrated living artist, LeRoy Neiman. From boxing matches to casino action and marquee entertainment, his work has over the years captured the people and places associated with Vegas, commemorating the indomitable spirit and energy of a city continually on the move - yet mindful of tradition.

Neiman will unveil his latest work, "Celebrating 100 Years of Neon," the official oil painting of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for the Las Vegas Centennial, April 1 at the Fashion Show Mall, paying tribute to the essence of the world's most exciting city: individuality and self-expression.. From 6-8 p.m. that evening, in conjunction with First Friday, the monthly arts, entertainment and social event held in the burgeoning Las Vegas Arts District downtown, the public may view the painting during a public viewing at the Ice House Lounge, 650 S. Main Street.

Beard Growing builds excitement for the "Big Birthday Bash" Despite the growing sophistication of Las Vegas' culture landscape, there are a few less refined traditions that nonetheless qualify as a form of self expression. One such early tradition, beard growing, is being revived as part of the Las Vegas Centennial's salute to the Helldorado Days Celebration, May 12 - 15. The "Whiskerino Contest" is spurring otherwise clean-shaven men throughout Las Vegas to put down the razor for a month and grow out that scruffy second-day stubble into prize-winning facial art. Winners in 12 categories - from the longest, to most professional, the greyest and the most lovable - will be recognized on stage at the Fremont Street Experience on May 11. Applications are now available at the Las Vegas Elks Lodge at 4100 W. Charleston. For more information on all Helldorado Days events, call Duane La Duke at 702-281-0687.

In addition, four free community-wide barbeques will be held to whet the public's appetite for the big birthday bash on May 15: April 9 at Estelle Neal Park, Rebecca Road and Tropical Parkway in the northwest from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; April 17 at Mountain Crest Park, 4701 N. Durango, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; April 30 at Jaycee Park, St. Louis Street and Eastern Avenue, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and May 1 at the Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson from1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, call the Centennial office at 702.229.2005.

Here's a sampling of other Centennial Events on tap for April 2005:

1 - "THE VEGAS CENTURY" EXHIBIT
Featuring the people, events, ideas and structures that have shaped Las Vegas over 100 years and mirroring the city's evolution, the exhibit heralds the publication of Architecture Las Vegas magazine's Centennial issue. Co-sponsored by the Nevada Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, it is free and open to the public through May 21.
Location: Fashion Show Mall (on the concourse inside plaza entrance)
Contact: Exhibit Curator Kevin Kemner, 702.895-0936

1-3 - 16th INVITATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL (9:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
Highlights the history and artistry of Native American cultures featuring 50 invited artists, dancers, musicians, plus a children's art area and storytelling sessions. Admission: $3 for adults; $2 for children and seniors.
Location: Clark County Museum, 1830 Boulder Highway, Henderson
Contact: Mark Ryndysnki, 702-455-7955

3 - NEVADA CHAMBER SYMPHONY: "Invitation to Play"
A celebration of the Nevada Chamber Symphony's first performance for Las Vegas citizens in 1985. Thirty young artists share the stage with the professional orchestra to salute Las Vegas and its musicians for the melodies that have contributed to making this the entertainment capital of the world. Free to the public; 3 p.m.
Location: Clark County Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Contact: Peggy Trasatti, 702-433-9280

8 - 10 - DESERT QUILTERS OF NEVADA QUILT SHOW
Las Vegas Centennial quilts will be featured, including one crafted by area children with the help of a Las Vegas Centennial Celebration Education Grant.
Local quilt artist Grace Edwards will answer question s from the public and well- known quilting author Marsha McCloskey will lecture at 1p.m. on April 10 ($5 at the door) and conduct classes on April 11 and 12. Other activities include a fashion show, miniature quilt auction and free demonstrations throughout the weekend. Hours for the show are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 8 and 9; 10 a.m. -4 p.m. on April 10. Admission is $6 per day or $12 for a three-day pass.
Location: Henderson Convention Center
Contact: Ann Pugh, 702.878.6149.

9 - "FREMONT STREET MEETS BOURBON STREET" (Mardi Gras event)
Location: Fremont Street Experience, 425 Fremont Street, free, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Contact: www.vegasexperience.com

8, 9 & 14-16 - "(W)RITES OF PASSAGE" (7 p.m.)
Location: Reed Whipple Cultural Center - Studio Theatre, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Admission: $7 adults; $5 teens and seniors; $3 children under 12.
Contact: Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 702.229-6221

10 & 16-17 - - "(W)RITES OF PASSAGE" (2 p.m.)
Location: Reed Whipple Cultural Center - Studio Theatre, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Admission: $7 adults; $5 teens and seniors; $3 children under 12.
Contact: Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 702.229-6221

17 - BLUES FESTIVAL 2005
A blues lover's special one-day concert held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Centennial. Free to the public, noon - 6 p.m.
Location: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Pavilion/Lorenzi Park, 333 Washington Ave.
Contact: Micah, 702.228.9230

23 - INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL - Celebrating cultural diversity with entertainment and food. (11a.m. - 9 pm.)
Location: Clark County Government Center. Free, all-day event.
Contact: Dorothy Wright, Clark County Parks and Community Services, 455.8200.

23 - COME ON OUT AND SEE US DAY! (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Sponsored by the Nevada Council of the Blind. A day of fun, food, entertainment and learning by interacting and participating with blind and visually impaired youth and adults. Free to the public.
Location: East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.
Contact: Diana Shelburne, 702.304.0512

25 - TREES FOR TOMORROW (9 a.m.)
This special Arbor Day event is designed to educate the public on the importance of the "urban forest" in making Las Vegas a sustainable community.
Location: Call for a location near you.
Contact: Teri Knight, 702.486.3173

29 - HIGH DESERT RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: "TREES FOR TOMORROW" publication debuts ("How to choose the right tree for Las Vegas"), compiled by professional arborists.
Location: Lorenzi Park (11 a.m.), 3333 W. Washington
Plus ceremonial Arbor Day tree plantings in parks throughout the valley.
Contact: Teri Knight, 702.262.9047, ext. 108

29 - May 1 - HELLDORADO TRAIL RIDE
Held in conjunction with a free Western Weekend. Opening ceremonies, blessed by a Paiute Spiritual Leader, begin at noon on April 29. The weekend features live music, pony and stagecoach rides and more, culminating in an old-fashioned Western hoedown. Trail Rides available on April 30, beginning at 9 a.m. (4-hour and 8-hour rides available) and 1 p.m. (4 hour ride). All trail rides are $90.
Location: Red Rock Canyon, in Spring Mountain State Park (part of the Old Spanish Trail)
Contact: Bill Schoening, 702.243.0599

The Centennial Celebration will kick into high gear in May and June, with key signature events including:

MAY 1: DEALER OF THE YEAR
The first Centennial-sanctioned event, hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel, will pay tribute to the backbone of the destination, in the first-ever "Dealer of the Year" event, nominated dealers from all Las Vegas casinos will be judged on their attitude, friendliness and showing extra effort to customers. Everyone is encouraged to participate. The event will culminate in December with a party for all Las Vegas dealers at the Hard Rock Hotel. For more information, visit www.dealeroftheyear.com or call Ron Saccavino for entry and event details, 702.891.0030.

MAY 12 - 15 - HELLDORADO DAYS PARADE AND WESTERN VILLAGE
The tradition that ran from 1934 to 1997 will be revived on Saturday, May 14 as the Helldorado Parade, the biggest parade held in Las Vegas, takes place on the Downtown Parade Route on Fourth and Fremont Street. The Helldorado Days Western Village will include daily headline entertainment featuring local groups, western vendors, a trapshooting tournament, a charity poker tournament, the Whiskerino Contest, a Kangaroo Court, an arts contest, a fully operating Post Office with a Pony Express and more.
Location: Fremont Street Experience
Contact: Duane La Duke, 702.281.0687

MAY 15: WORLD'S BIGGEST BIRTHDAY CAKE
A 130,000 pound Centennial birthday cake will beat a longstanding Guinness world record for the largest birthday cake ever made.

JUNE 9: ONCE UPON 100 WEDDINGS
In April, a nationwide contest will identify 99 altar-bound couples who will be flown in to join a four-day Las Vegas-style Centennial wedding celebration including bachelor/bachelorette parties and a memorable wedding ceremony under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. The 100th couple will be a hometown twosome selected in Las Vegas.