November 23, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lori Nelson, R&R Partners, 702.318.4209 or 702.349.0625 (cellular)
Danielle Swift, R&R Partners, 775.323.1611
Stacy Allsbrook, Las Vegas Centennial, 702.229.4733

LAS VEGAS SET TO LAUNCH YEAR-LONG "OVER THE TOP" CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW TO KICK OFF FESTIVITIES

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 23, 2004 - Las Vegas, known for both spectacle and splendor on a large scale, will kick off its year-long Centennial celebration on New Year's Eve 2004 with a pyrotechnic extravaganza surpassing all others, transforming the five miles of sky above the Las Vegas Strip into a rainbow of color brighter than the neon lights for which the city is famous. More than 300,000 visitors, together with top-name entertainers and the city's 1 million-plus residents, are expected to jump start "the biggest birthday bash ever" as the Entertainment Capital of the World prepares to hit the century mark on May 15, 2005. The party will pay tribute to the exciting people, places and events that helped shape Las Vegas history since 110 acres were purchased near the first railroad in a land auction nearly a century ago. The Centennial celebration will offer up hundreds of events for visitors and locals alike and will continue through New Year's Eve 2005.

"Las Vegas is like no other city in the world. In just 100 years, Las Vegas has become a pop culture icon with a history so colorful and rich that it sets us apart from any city, anywhere," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, chairman for the Las Vegas Centennial celebration. "The magnitude of this celebration will pay tribute to all things Las Vegas and remind the rest of the world why they love to come here to dine, shop and play.

In addition to "America's Party" on New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Centennial will produce never-before-seen-or-experienced entertainment and events throughout 2005, including:

Las Vegas Joins Rose Bowl Parade (January)
Las Vegas will make a splash in Pasadena with its second-ever float in the nationally televised annual Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2005. The last time Las Vegas had a presence in the Rose Parade was 1954.

LAS VEGAS CENTENNIAL RECORDS launches (April)
EMI Music Marketing is creating and launching a new official commemorative record label. Las Vegas Centennial Records will present a new series of CDs culling top performances from the city's fabled nightspots, including the CD debut of classic concert albums such as "Frank Sinatra: Live From The Golden Nugget," "Dean Martin: Live From The Sands," and "Bobby Darin: Live At The Flamingo," plus "High Rollers!," a new all-star collection of classic Vegas showstoppers by the artists who made them famous, including previously unavailable tracks from Peggy Lee, Nelson Riddle and Sammy Davis, Jr.

The Return of Helldorado Days (May)
On May 14, 2005, the City's 100th birthday celebration shifts into high gear with the revival of the Helldorado Days parade. Helldorado was the premier Las Vegas annual event that ran from 1934-1997 and featured a rodeo, western village and spectacular parade for locals and kitsch for tourists.

The World's Biggest Birthday Cake (May)
To mark the day that Las Vegas officially turns 100, the party will open with a re-creation of the 1905 railroad land auction that started the townsite, followed by the construction and tasting of the "world's largest birthday cake," a monstrous 130,000-pound-plus pastry that has already been registered with the Guinness Book of World Records.

Once Upon 100 Weddings (June)
A nationwide contest to find 99 altar-bound couples who want to tie the knot in the Wedding Capital of the World is set for March 2005. Winning couples will be determined in April and will fly to Las Vegas for a four-day wedding celebration including group bachelor and bachelorette parties and one big wedding under the 95-foot high canopy at Fremont Street Experience. The 100th couple will be a hometown twosome selected in Las Vegas.

Centennial Birthday Bash, Las Vegas Style, Baby! (July)
Clear Channel Entertainment is planning the "biggest birthday bash ever" along the Las Vegas Strip over the July 4th weekend, featuring top-name performers. Details to follow.

Famous Moments in History (year-long)
In a town known for firsts, historical preservation is especially important. Markers, identifying historic sites significant in shaping the Las Vegas community, will be placed throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Time Capsule (November)
The Centennial Time Capsule, filled with memorabilia from the Centennial and forecasts of Las Vegas' future, will be on display above ground for all to enjoy.

City of 100 Murals (year-long)
This cultural legacy project, already underway, will produce 100 temporary and permanent murals throughout the Valley to celebrate the history and cultural and ethnic diversity of Las Vegas.

For a complete listing of the hundreds of events planned, visit www.lasvegas2005.org.

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Editorial notes:

Archival photos from Las Vegas' rich history are available for viewing and ordering free of charge online at the Centennial Web site's Media Center at www.lasvegas2005.org.

A full press kit is available online to help you complete your Centennial story.

Interesting Las Vegas factoids are included for your use as a sidebar or in related stories.