Grizzled miner on ‘Welcome to Nevada’ highway signs set to be retired
The grizzled old miner depicted on “Welcome to Nevada” signs at the state’s borders will retire in 2017 after roughly 25 years of service. And there’s a way you can welcome him into your home.
The Nevada Transportation Department is holding a free raffle, allowing residents a chance to get one of the four iconic — but obsolete — highway signs depicting the pick ax-wielding prospector staring off into the sunset.
Just before the Nevada Day (Oct. 28-30) holiday weekend, a winner will be randomly selected from each region across the state: northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast, department officials said.
“The existing signs that have stood on Nevada roadways for many years are a source of pride and state identity for Nevadans, which is why we wanted to share them and offer a chance for people to bring a bit of state history home,” NDOT communications director Sean Sever said.
The raffle comes as state officials prepare to post a series of new road signs to promote the state’s brand of “A World Within, A State Apart.” The new signs were designed by graphic arts students from high schools statewide who entered a contest sponsored by the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, NDOT and the state Department of Education.
Only one raffle entry is allowed per resident until 5 p.m. Oct. 21, and you must be willing to sign a waiver stating you won’t do anything illegal with the sign.
Enter the raffle by calling 775-888-7000 or visiting nevadadot.com. Entries can also be made by sending a direct message through NDOT’s social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Art Marroquin at amarroquin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0336. Find @AMarroquin_LV on Twitter.
