Indian tacos on warm fry bread. Rock drilling. Hot chili. Marching bands.
This year's Nevada Day will have all the usual good stuff and promises to celebrate the lighter side of the Silver State with the theme, "Entertainment, Nevada Style." But that doesn't mean filling floats with sequin-clad dancers and rows of nickel slot machines.
The day will also celebrate hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, as well as gaming and traditional entertainment, said Ron Bowman, Nevada Day Inc. president.
"Everybody thinks Las Vegas showgirls and one-armed bandits," Bowman said. "Of course, that is a big part of what we do here. But to be entertained, people come here for a multitude of reasons."
Anyone who wants to celebrate all of Nevada's fun can still sign up to join the parade. Floats can be registered until late September.
Frank Sinatra Jr. will be the grand marshal of the parade that will march through Carson City Oct. 30. Organizers are expecting to attract participants from across the state, Bowman said.
"It's a state holiday, and we're trying to bring in as many people from all over the state as we can," Bowman said. "We're trying to get more involvement with Southern Nevada people."
The Battle Born Invitational golf tournament will begin the celebration at the Silver Oak Golf Course at 10 a.m. Oct. 29.
Elvis will be remembered during a Friday-night tribute featuring impersonator Rick Alviti at the Plaza Hotel Convention Center, followed Saturday night with an Elvis competition where attendees can dress up and vie for prizes.
The annual "world championship" Rock Drilling contests will again be in the Nugget's west parking lot, beginning about 10 a.m. Oct. 30.
A beard contest will be held on the Capitol steps, judged by two or three state Supreme Court justices.
Weather permitting, the event will also feature the flight of about 12 hot-air balloons. The balloons will launch from the highway near Gottschalks early Saturday morning. Anyone who wants to hitch a ride should call the Nevada Day office for a reservation.
The parade will include the Devil Mountain Brigade, an M1A1 Abrams tank, veterans groups, bagpipe players and at least 10 high school bands, Bowman said.
As it's an election year, the parade will likely also attract those seeking office.
Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
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