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A Virtual Scrapbook of Centennial Events

Every great season deserves a scrapbook. So as time goes on, we'll record a few of our Las Vegas Centennial memories, along with a photo or two.
View the Scrapbook

Starting March 25, the Clark County Museum hosts a year-long Centennial exhibit featuring historic photographs, memorabilia, clothing, and artifacts that will bring historic Las Vegas to life, from its founding in 1905 as a tiny railroad town to the present. More ...

"Las Vegas has acquired its first piece of interplanetary property," Mayor Oscar B. Goodman announced recently, "though it may be a while before it's zoned for business." The announcement was made March 14 at the Centennial Committee's monthly meeting. More ...

How Do Centennial Events Get Funded?

Planning any event starts with money. Look below to learn where the funding comes from to support our Centennial celebration.

The Community Pride Business Initiative:
Local businesses will help in their own unique ways. In August 2004, the Las Vegas Centennial Committee launched its "Community Pride Business Initiative" (CPBI) aimed at bringing local business into partnership with the Centennial. The initiative suggests four ways to get involved: build a Centennial theme or logo into everyday business; sponsor a signature Centennial event; provide a lasting gift by funding a restoration or legacy project; or provide volunteers for Centennial events. Businesses interested in participating may request a CPBI kit by calling the Centennial Office at 702-229-2005.

Our Own Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade:
Is there any better way to welcome 2005 than by making a splash in Pasadena? The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) doesn't think so. And with 27.9 million television viewers, a presence in the Rose Parade has got to be good for our local tourist trade. The LVCVA spent $200,000 to sponsor a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2005.

The last time Las Vegas had a float in the Rose Parade was 1954 when the Desert Inn was the tallest building on the Strip and flashy new hotels like the Sahara, Riviera, Stardust and Tropicana were being built to lure Californians across the desert to dine and gamble in style and luxury.

Centennial Grants to Non-Profits:
Money for Centennial grants was raised through the Centennial's partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment. The purpose of the grant program is to encourage local non-profit groups to celebrate and commemorate the Centennial. Funding will help non-profits share their particular story in Las Vegas' rise from a small town to a big city. A total of $300,000 has been awarded to 59 recipients to help fund their neighborhood projects or citywide events. Another $200,000 was distributed in education grants.

Sale of Official License Plates:
About 1,000 motorists a month sign up for the official Centennial license plate which features an image of the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, and every sale generates $25 for the Centennial celebration. Already plate sales have brought in more than $1.5 million. License plate money is dedicated to supporting legacy projects-those restoration projects and lasting gifts that will endure for many years beyond the 2005 birthday celebration.