Parade sponsors want to promote state

The 2004 Nevada Day Parade is sponsored by a variety of local business that share the same goal: promoting and celebrating the state's history.

Cinderlite Trucking president Gary Lehman said his company sponsors the parade as a way to give back to Carson City.

"This is not an advertising factor (for us)," he said. "We do it for the Kiwanis Club and to support our community."

Kerstin Plemel, vice president of marketing for Greater Nevada Credit Union, said the branch manager will be riding in a 1949 Pontiac Coupe for the parade.

"We're a local member-owned financial institution that's been serving Northern Nevada since 1949," she said. "And we wanted to help celebrate our state's birthday during this fun family-orientated event."

The parade begins Oct. 30 at William Street and heads south on Carson Street. The hot air balloons along the Carson Street parade route will ascend at 8 a.m.

National Guard Capt. Ron McKimmy said two F-18 Hornets from Naval Air Station Fallon will lead the fly-over. A C-130 Hercules, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and a B-25 Mitchell will follow.

The fly-over begins at 10 a.m. after the Star-Spangled Banner and the firing of the Howitzer cannon. This signals the start of the parade.

Nevada Day Inc. office manager Kim Macaluso said this year 200 entries are in the parade. About 75 percent are floats and the rest are bands, political entries and equestrians.

She said the major sponsor of Nevada Day events is the Carson City Gaming Association, which gave more than $12,000. The parade raised about $15,000.

Irwin Union Bank Market President Greg Nixon said tradition and history is important to the 133-year-old bank.

"We hope our modest support will aid in the continuation of promoting Nevada's heritage to this and future generations," he said. "We salute the volunteers whose efforts enrich our community and hope the visitors and Nevadans enjoy the Nevada Day Parade and festivities."

Nevada Insurance Agency

Nevada Mining Association

Colonial Bank

Plaza Hotel

Dwight Millard Realty

Capital Beverage

Green Enterprises

Bully's

Cinderlite Trucking

Timber's Saloon

Carson City Gaming

Allison, MacKenzie, Russell, Pavlakis, Wright & Fagan Ltd.

Winners Hotel and Casino

Harley-Davidson Financial Services

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Irwin Union Bank

Les Schwab Tire Centers of Northern Nevada

Casino Fandango

Information from Nevada Day Inc.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.