Nevada anniversary committee outlines event list

RENO - A Nevada Day Parade in Las Vegas. A traveling state history museum. And maybe even a gala celebration commemorating the state's 150th anniversary at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Those were among a long list of events discussed Friday by the seven-member Nevada Sesquicentennial Planning Committee. During a five-hour meeting, members approved the framework of the celebration, scheduled for Oct. 31, 2013, through Oct. 31, 2014.

"Battle Born" Nevada was admitted into the union Oct. 31, 1864, after the territory sent a telegram, at a cost of $4,303, to President Abraham Lincoln with the voter-approved state constitution, including a required anti-slavery clause.

A Nevada Day Parade in Las Vegas would be a first.

Las Vegans seldom, if ever, participate in the annual Carson City parade, conducted since 1939.

Gov. Brian Sandoval ordered that no state funds be used in the celebration. Bob Brown, committee co-chairman and publisher of the Review-Journal, said they intend to meet the governor's directive, but the paid staff members, however, will work out of Commission on Tourism offices.

The committee proposed a foundation board in charge of raising at least $2.5 million in private donations.

They also suggested the need for a statewide 30-member commission to oversee the event and a five- or six-member executive board to make major decisions and select paid staff members.

A nonvoting committee of dignitaries, including past governors, historians and politicians could provide help.

"If we can find anyone who is 150, then they should be appointed to that committee," quipped Neena Laxalt, co-chairwoman of the planning committee, legislative lobbyist and the daughter of former governor and U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt, R-Nev.

They now must recommend commission members, to be appointed by Sandoval on Jan. 31, to oversee the commemoration.

During the meeting, committee members also backed a $65,000 project to update, repair or replace the 260 historical markers around the state.

Peter Barton, administrator of the Division of Museums and History, said drivers often use the markers for target practice.

The state of Nevada Historical Preservation Office had been unable to add new markers or repair broken ones since 2009 because of lack of funds. Information on the markers can be found at http://nvshpo.org.

Contact reporter Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.