Contact:
Christina Stoever, R&R Partners, 702-318-4276
Lori Nelson, R&R Partners, (702) 318-4209

April 25, 2005

Calling All Queens

Former Helldorado Days royalty invited to participate in revival of historic parade

Las Vegas, Nev. - The Las Vegas Centennial Committee is seeking former Helldorado Days Queens to celebrate Las Vegas' 100th birthday by returning to downtown Las Vegas on Saturday, May 14, 2005 as honorary queens in the "Salute to Helldorado Days Parade." Former royalty will enjoy a nostalgic ride in a classic car during the historic parade as well as reunite with past queens for a group photo that will be included in the Centennial time capsule. Former Helldorado Beauty and Rodeo Queens should contact the Las Vegas Centennial Offices at 229-2005 to register for the parade.

The Helldorado Queen contest began in 1936 as a beauty contest, with a $50 prize for first place. Four decades later, Las Vegas Helldorado Days adopted the Miss Rodeo America contest rules and judged contestants on appearance, personality and horsemanship. Helldorado Queens represented the Helldorado Rodeo at the Miss Nevada pageant in Reno, in addition to various speaking engagements and appearances at western states rodeos through their one-year reigns.

The Las Vegas Centennial will bring back the spirit and camaraderie of Helldorado Days with a "Salute to Helldorado Days" May 12-15 at Fremont Street Experience. The four-day event will feature many Helldorado Days favorites including Kangaroo Court and the Whiskerino Beard Growing Contest. Free weekend concerts will be performed both Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00 p.m. by Paul Revere & The Raiders, Asleep at the Wheel, Chubby Checkers and Pam Tillis. Fremont Street Experience will also debut its newest viva vision show LUCKY VEGAS, on Friday May 13 at 8 p.m. in honor of the Centennial.

ABOUT HELLDORADO>
What began as a tool to bring tourists to town following the completion of construction on Hoover Dam evolved into a celebrated event that united locals with community spirit and raised money for local charities. In its heyday, Helldorado was centered on Western themed events such as the Kangaroo Court, Parades, a Rodeo, Whiskerino Contest Beard Growing Contest and Helldorado Days Queen Beauty Pageant and it remained the biggest community event each year throughout the mid-1960s. As Las Vegas commemorates its 100th birthday this year, the Centennial will salute Helldorado Days by resurrecting some of the highlights of the event that long united the community with pride and nostalgia.