Sheriff estimates Nevada Day Parade crowd at 15,000

CARSON CITY -- Thousands of people turned out Saturday to celebrate the 147th anniversary of Nevada's statehood at the annual Nevada Day Parade in Carson City.

Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong said sunny, mild weather drew a crowd equal or better than last year's estimated crowd of 15,000. He reported no major problems.

The parade is the highlight of annual festivities celebrating the day in 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed Nevada's declaration of statehood.

This year's parade drew more than 200 entries and featured Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy as grand marshal. The parade's theme was "The Great Outdoors."