FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The History of Helldorado

Helldorado used to be a lot bigger deal in Las Vegas than it is today. Before, say, the valley hit 1 million populaton (we’re at 2 million today), Helldorado was THE year’s big event.

If you want to learn more about the colorful history of Helldorado, attend a panel discussion featuring several high-powered Las Vegas old-timers. The event is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve at Valley View Boulevard and Meadows Lane. Admission is $12, which is too high, but in this case, it might be worth the expense.

Th panelists will include:

• Rex Bell Jr., former Clark County district attorney and son of cowboy actor Rex Bell and actress Clara Bow.

• Don Payne, former manager of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

• Rhonda Cashman Evans, granddaughter of Helldorado co-founder Big Jim Cashman.

• Emmett Sullivan, son of Helldorado co-founder Mark Sullivan.

Trust us when we say that this is a group with considerable firsthand knowledge of Las Vegas history.

As for this year’s Helldorado celebration, it’s scheduled for May 17.