The city of Las Vegas is gearing up for its historic Helldorado Days Parade, a celebration that honors the city's diverse heritage and storied past. Applications are being accepted until this Friday, April 18, for those looking to add their floats, bands, and cultural displays to the procession. The parade is set to paint the town with color and sound on Saturday, May 10, starting at 10 a.m. and will feature a vibrant lineup along Fourth Street, from Gass to Stewart avenues, as confirmed by Las Vegas government announcements.
With the parade lasting approximately two hours, attendees can find comfort in grandstands situated at Bridger Avenue, while food trucks will offer refreshments to the revelers enjoying fun giveaways. The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial is incentivizing local talent, offering up $1,000 for local school marching band entries. With the participation of 11 high schools expected, students will flood the streets, swelling with the sound of brass and drums under the shade of grandstands. During the event, a committee is set to judge parade entries for prizes such as Best Casino Float and $500 each for the top marching bands and floats that best represent historic Las Vegas themes.
Helldorado Days Parade isn't a newcomer on the block; it stands as the longest-running event in Las Vegas, tracing back to its 1935 inception. The event was originally crafted by Clyde Zerby with the aim to attract visitors, including those working on the dam, to Las Vegas—a strategy that cemented the festival in the city's cultural calendar and even caught the eye of Hollywood, with a Roy Rogers and Dale Evans movie paying homage to the Helldorado Days celebration in 1946.
Coming May 15, just five days after the parade, Las Vegas will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the 1905 land auction that marks its establishment. It's within this historical framework that parade entries are encouraged to reflect on Las Vegas's roots as a railroad town and its evolution through time. A diverse array of participants is anticipated, ranging from cultural and historical groups to car and motorcycle clubs, and local enterprises, all joining in the showcase that journeys through the city's past, present, and future. Those interested in more details about the parade can reach out at 702.229.4859, as noted by the Las Vegas government statement.
