Nevada is one of only three states to celebrate statehood

Nevadans can count themselves among an elite group, so select that only three states are members.

The Silver State, along with Hawaii and West Virginia, are the only ones that celebrate the anniversary of their admission into the United States of America.
Almost every October since 1938, the residents of Nevada have filled the streets of Carson City in celebration of becoming the 36th state.

According to Nevadaday.com, the Daily Appeal claimed the event was “Nevada's largest and best Admission Day celebration in the history of the state.”

No celebration was held for a three-year span during World War II, but when the celebration returned in October 1945, more than 20,000 people flooded into the capital city.

“The little state capital was completely engulfed,” wrote The Nevada Magazine in 1945. “Some 1,200 people rode the V&T Railroad, which had to charter extra cars in last-minute desperation from the Southern Pacific. Automobiles extended in double lanes, bumper-to-bumper from Steamboat Springs to Carson City. It was some show!”

Recently the planning and organization of the celebration has fallen on Nevada Day Inc.

“It’s hard to beat the excitement of the jets flying over and the band starting up. Nothing beats that,” said Reg Creasey, president of Nevada Day Inc.

Creasey said he expects approximately 190 entries, including floats, bands, soldiers, equestrians and any other of the 37 categories included in the competition.

Even after almost 70 years, the parade will still manage to accomplish another first with this year’s edition.

“We’ve never had an inanimate object as our Grand Marshal. With the theme being ‘Nevada Day Meets the V&T Railway’ we thought why not have the pride of the V&T, the Inyo locomotive, as our Grand Marshal,” Creasey said.

The Inyo joins the likes of Clark Gable, the cast of the television show “Bonanza” and John Tyson, last year’s selection, as marshals of the event. Yet Creasey’s most memorable moment was not a grand marshal, but a team of horses.

“I remember the Clydesdales. To stand there next to them, talk to the groomers and see them in the parade, that was memorable,” Creasey said.

The parade follows the same route as in previous years, starting at East William Street and traveling South on Carson Street to Stewart Street. As for the best place to catch the parade, Creasey recommends avoiding the area around the Capitol.

“I like it before or after the break in the road, because the parade goes on both sides of the median and it’s hard to see all of what is going on. So I’d recommend above the Carson Nugget or below the Ormsby House,” Creasey said.


If You Go
What: Nevada Day Parade
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1
Where: Carson Street between William and Stewart
Street closures: Carson Street is closed at Winnie Lane and Fairview Drives. All side streets are closed to all but foot traffic. Closures being about two hours before and last through the parade.

Some copy provided by By Jarid Shipley, Nevada Appeal