May 12, 2005

Mayor Oscar Goodman to Officiate Opening Ceremony for Las Vegas Centennial's Salute to Helldorado Days

WHAT: In honor of Las Vegas' 100th birthday, the Las Vegas Centennial is bringing back and kicking off Helldorado Days, the oldest and most revered community event that began in 1935 and celebrated our town's Western roots.

The opening ceremony will highlight the spirit of Helldorado Days including a demonstration of Kangaroo Court featuring an "arrest" of the Mayor by Sheriff Bill Young and will conclude with the Whiskerino Beard Growing Contest. Men have been growing out their beards for the past couple months to prepare for the judging by former Helldorado Days Queens to take place during the opening ceremony.

WHO: Mayor Oscar Goodman, chairman of the Las Vegas Centennial
Sheriff Bill Young, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Stef Purdy, organizer of the Salute to Helldorado Days

WHEN: Thursday, May 12 from 5:45 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fremont Street Experience, near 3rd Street stage
Media check in table located in Western Village by 3rd Street

NOTES: The Salute to Helldorado Days is a free four day festival at the Fremont Street Experience that includes a Western Village, mechanical calf roping, trick ropers, panning for gold, free concerts by Chubby Checker, Pam Tillis, Asleep at the Wheel and Paul Revere & The Raiders as well bringing back the Helldorado Days Parade on Saturday, May 14.