50 Years Ago Today

“But the world all stopped to watch it, yeah, on that July afternoon,

They watched a man named Armstrong walk upon the moon"  John Stewart, "Armstrong"

Has it really been fifty years?  It doesn't seem that long ago.  But the calendar and the television specials all say that fifty years have passed since that fateful day on July 20th.

On May 25th, 1961, President Kennedy had said "First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish."

America rolled up its sleeves and got out its slide rules.  We had put Alan Shepard into space and John Glenn was slated to go next.  The Mercury Astronauts caught not only the imagination of the country but of the world.  Every little boy and girl it seemed wanted to either be the Beatles or an astronaut.

I wanted to be an astronaut but slide-rules and math confounded the crap out of me.  And they still do.

We rolled out of bed in the early, early hours of the morning to watch the launches, breaths held as the countdown went down to zero and the button was pushed.

Televisions were rolled into schoolrooms around the country, including Las Vegas, so that we could track their progress.

The Mercury astronauts gave way to the Gemini Project and Ed Whitebecame the first American to walk in space.

Each step brought us closer to the goal of going to the moon.  All of this during a decade of turmoil and conflict the likes of which this country hadn't seen in a hundred years.  The Civil Rights movement, the loss of JFK, the Vietnam War, the youth movement, free speech, the anti-war movement, the silent majority are part of our history of the 1960s.

But through it all, even in the dark days (and we had our share of dark, dark days back then), the resolve to complete JFK's dream of putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade stayed strong. 

We lost Mercury astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, the beloved Ed White and Roger Chaffee on the launch pad in the  Apollo One fire in 1967 and for a brief moment our resolve wavered.  But instead of scraping the idea, NASA and the country moved forward determined to solve the problems and hold the course.

In December of 1968, Apollo Eight with Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Williams Anders became, not only the first Americans, but the first ever to orbit the moon.  That Christmas Eve they read Bible passages to the world from outer space.

As the 1960s were coming to a close, the decade seemed to be imploding on itself.  What had once seemed like a shining, optimistic beacon had become the very opposite.  Death, violence and drugs had taken over and the decade seemed like it was spiraling out of control.

But on a July afternoon in 1969, that shining optimism was recaptured and reborn as the Lunar Module with Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin landed on the moon.

Around the world, people stopped what they were doing to watch history being made.

In Las Vegas, it was a Sunday afternoon/early evening..  At our house in Charleston Heights, we stopped and watched.

In the casinos on Fremont Street and on the Las Vegas Strip, gamblers were doing what they do best, gambling away.

Televisions had been set up around the casinos on both Fremont Street and the Strip so that patrons could watch if they wanted to.

Growing up in Las Vegas, we all know how difficult it is to get gamblers away from the tables and we know the stories of how it is next to impossible to get people to leave slot machines.

But on the Sunday up and down Fremont Street and up and down the Strip, they did just that. 

They stopped gambling to watch Neil Armstrong descend from the lunar module and "take one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" before erupting in applause and tears.

It was a shared historic moment felt the world over and that included Las Vegas. Over a half million people shared the moment.

I know what you're thinking.  They could have gone upstairs to their rooms and watched.

But it was one of those moments in history when you wanted to be with other people and share the experience.

The Space Race which had begun twelve years earlier with the launch ofSputnik One by the Russians ended with Americans landing on the moon.

We had completed the dream that President Kennedy had set forth eight years earlier with slide rules, mainframe computers and American ingenuity.

And the world held their breath and then cheered with delight as Neil Armstrong set foot upon the moon, July 20th 1969.

The 1960s would all but officially come to a close two and half weeks later with the Manson Family killing spree in Los Angeles.

But, for a brief shining moment on that fateful July afternoon/early evening,, we reminded ourselves and the world of what the best of America could be.

Credit: Airboyd and NASA

Capturing Las Vegas while you can

When I was much younger while growing up in Las Vegas I never dreamed that the city I knew could change as much as it has. I always thought the front of Caesars would be turquoise and the Dunes sign would always being shooting neon into the sky. Even after we lost the train depot back in the late 1960s, it never dawned on me that one day we would lose the Mint, the original galaxy front of the Stardust and that many of original hotels that had been instrumental in the popularity and growth of the famed Strip would be erased from the landscape. It finally hit home when the Dunes was destroyed and the front of Caesars turned off the turquoise light and got rid of the Sarno block privacy screen in its march to become the Strip's version of the Winchester Mystery House.

I used to go to movies at the old Fox Plaza Theater in the Charleston Plaza Mall on East Charleston. I also was a regular customer at the Huntridge, the Red Rock (and watched it grow from its original size to 11 theaters or was it 15?  At least it had that old town square area and two theaters devoted to art films), the Parkway and the Cinerama Dome. With the exception of the Huntridge which is now closed, all the others are gone. It never crossed my mind that I should have been carrying a camera with me and photographing the places and architecture that I now miss and fondly remember. 

The motels on East Fremont and down Boulder Highway used to be one of the last bastions of post-World War II motel architecture still standing. With their delightful neon signs, they were affordable, had character and were family owned and operated back then. They began disappearing from Boulder Highway and the destruction has crept all the way up Fremont Street.

Glitter Gulch with its canyon of neon was a wonderful way to introduce Las Vegas to people. With its cavalcade of neon, movement and eye-popping colors, driving up Fremont Street was magical and guaranteed to impress even the most hardened Mid-Westerner or New Englander.

That damned canopy with its light show cannot even come close to capturing what made Fremont Street unique.

So much of Las Vegas has changed just in the last twenty years and a great deal of it has been destroyed or remodeled out of existence.

But, there are pockets of old Vegas still around. They might not be as evident as they once were and they might require a bit of research or driving around to find but they are still there.

So, now that smartphones come with good cameras, you have the opportunity to document the Las Vegas you love so that it isn't lost to history.

I only know of two people in the last twenty years who have made a concerted effort to do that, Allen Sandquist (aka RoadsidePictures on Flickr) and Joel Rosales of LostandFoundVegas.com. Both spent years photographing the disappearing history of Las Vegas. 

It's not too late to join them. Pick up your camera or your smartphone and start photographing the places and things you love about Las Vegas. Because, chances are, twenty years from now, they will no longer be there or be recognizable and trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Take a picture and post it our Facebook page along with why you think the place or sign is meaningful and share your memories with us!

Las Vegas July 4th 2014 fireworks and holiday weekend events-FINAL UPDATE

We've added more events to our comprehensive listings so check it out! We are now tablet and mobile phone friendly so you can take us on the road,check out the listings in your hotel or from your home, so you won't miss any of these great celebrations, no matter what your choice! There's lots to do this holiday weekend so enjoy!

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!!!

Our annual July 4th fireworks listings for Las Vegas and the surrounding Valley is one of the most popular non-history features we highlight and with long holiday weekend only a month away, we thought it was time to start gathering the information.

Remember, we will be updating this page between now and July 4th, so be sure to book mark us and check back often.

If you make Las Vegas your home, we have plenty of information for fun, family events to attend.  Or if you are planning a visit to the Bright Light City over the holiday, plan early as the town will be crowded with tourists!

Remember, the heat in Las Vegas (and especially down in Laughlin and Boulder City) can be deceiving. Wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated with water (not alcohol). If you do drink, do so responsibly.

Have FUN!!!!

July 3rd Celebrations:

JUST ADDED:

Independence Day Jubilee: 

3-9:30 p.m. at Craig Ranch Regional Park

628 W. Craig Road

North Las Vegas.

Event also includes a performance by Michael Grimm, carnival and vendors

$8; $5 in advance; 702-633-2650;

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Annual Night of Fire at the Bullring

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Features:  Fireworks, SMRA Supermodifieds 

 The Bullring, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s NASCAR-sanctioned 3/8-mile asphalt oval, will kick off the Independence Day holiday weekend on Tuesday, July 3rd, with its annual Night of Fire. The night of family fun features fireworks and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series stock car racing, a jet car and SMRA Supermodifieds.

Spectator gates will open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. Fireworks are tentatively scheduled for 9:30 p.m. 
Stock car racing classes include: SMRA Supermodifieds (50 laps), MetroPCS Super Late Models (76 laps), Chargers, Outlaw Enduro Bombers (76 laps), twin Legends Cars features, Bandoleros.

Advanced Spectator admission: 
Adults: $15. 
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID: $15. 
Children (6-12): $8. 

Day of Spectator admission: 
Adults: $20
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID: $15. 
Children (6-12): $8. 

The Bullring's concession stand offers a family-friendly dollar menu, including $1 hot dogs, $1 soda and $1 beer. For more information, please call the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or visit Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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Las Vegas 51's Baseball Game and Fireworks

 When: July 3rd, after the game
Where: Cashman Field
Admission: $14
More info: 702-326-7200

Fireworks Extravaganza/Budweiser Dollar Beer/Adoption Awareness Foundation Night

The 51s will host the Salt Lake Bees, Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, at Cashman Field. The traditional post-game "Fireworks Extravaganza" will be presented! Also, Budweiser Dollar Beer Night is presented at every Thursday home game. Proper identification and wristbands are required.

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July 4th celebrations:

66th Annual Boulder City Damboree

When: July 4th
Where: Boulder City
Fireworks Display - 9:00 pm

7:00 am

ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT BICENTENNIAL PARK Located at 1100 Colorado Street

 9:00 am

PARADE BEGINS at Colorado St., down Nevada Hwy. to Fifth St., to Broadbent Memorial Park at Avenue B & 5th St.

*New Water Zone - The only location for water play on the parade route starts at Ave A to Ave B & Ave B to the end of the parade at 6th Street. If you want to engage in water play, you MUST be at this location. No water play will be allowed at any other location on the parade route.  ****NO WATER BALLOONS ALLOWED****

9:05 am

FLYOVER by the Boulder City Veteran's Flying Group

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

FESTIVITIES AT BROADBENT MEMORIAL PARK
Located at 1301 5th St.
MIDWAY BOOTHS
Food, drinks & games
Presented by non-profit groups

11:00 am

DAMBOREE CEREMONIES
Flag Raising & National Anthem
Presentation of parade trophies & greetings by dignitaries

11:30 am

ENTERTAINMENT

12:00 pm

COIN TOSS at the Pool (admission: price to the pool)
Games & Contests
Sponsored by the Boulder City Parks & Recreation Department

1:00 pm

GAMES & CONTESTS
Sponsored by the Boulder City Parks & Recreation Department

6-11:00pm

FESTIVITIES AT VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK
Located at 1650 Buchanan Blvd
$10 Parking

6-8:45pm

Live Music, DJ Mike Pacini, Food, Games & Water Park

9:00pm FIREWORKS SHOW

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Downtown Henderson Fourth of July fireworks & celebration

Friday, July 4, 2014
Mission Hills Park
551 E. Mission Dr.
6pm to 9:15pm
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION

Celebrate Independence Day in Henderson with great live entertainment and the time-honored traditional fireworks display! Pack your favorite blanket and come out and enjoy a night of family fun and concessions. Local high school clubs and groups will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sno-cones and ice-cream, with all proceeds benefiting the school. Spend your July 4th holiday with us!

Entertainment Schedule - Shuttle Service - Rules & Regulations- Proud Sponsors

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

6:00 pm

The Randy Anderson Band

8:00 pm

Henderson Symphony Orchestra

9:00 pm

Fireworks Show!

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Celebrate the 4th of July with the Phil at Symphony Park

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

361 Symphony Park Drive

4:00 pm- 10:00 pm

There will be live music, entertainment and food and drink vendors. The Las Vegas Philharmonic Pops will perform a concert inside Reynolds Hall at 7:30 pm that will be simulcast in the park.  Entry to the park costs between $5-$10 and the concert is an additional $25-$75 but includes access to parking.

For tickets or information, call 749-2000 or visit lvphil.org.

9:00 pm Fireworks Show!

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Stars, Stripes & Sparks

Knickerbocker Park

10695 Dorrell Lane

The Independence Day event kicks off with live music, contests and family activities at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Donations of new or gently used books will be accepted to benefit Spread the Word Nevada. For more information, call 216-2020.

9:15 pm Fireworks Show!

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Downtown Spaces

1800 Industrial Road

6 p.m., free

he Downtown Gateway District that houses Wasteland Gallery and Naked City Audio will host an evening of live music, art and free barbecue. Art galleries and studios will be open while bands perform outside on the mobile Stagecoach bus, and a sidewalk art fair will take place around the complex. 6 p.m., free

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Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street

rock bands Papa Roach, P.O.D. and Lit will perform on the Fremont Street Experience's 3rd Street Stage. 

9 p.m.

Free

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Mandalay Bay Fireworks

The sky above Mandalay Bay Beach will light up red, white and blue this Independence Day with a dazzling display of fireworks and a musical performance by the local classic rock band Phoenix. Guests of all ages can dig their feet into the sand or let the waves wash over them while enjoying the extravaganza Friday, July 4. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets priced at $20 and family four-packs priced at $60, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale and available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Tickets also are available for purchase at mandalaybay.com or ticketmaster.com.

Where: Mandalay Bay

8:00 Party begins

9:00 Fireworks
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Fireworks at the Linq/High Roller

Start the Summer Celebration this 4th of July with fireworks from the High Roller at The LINQ. High Roller riders will be able to view the Strip’s only two firework displays starting at approximately 9 p.m. at Caesars Palace and 9:30 p.m. at the High Roller lot.

Call to purchase tickets.

702-731-7110

9:00: Fireworks

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Caesars July 4th Fireworks

Date: Fri, July 4, 2014
Place: Caesars Palace

Fireworks by Grucci will be shot from the hotel's Roman Tower beginning at 9:15 p.m

As part of Caesars Palace July 4th Celebration, on July 4, 2014 Caesars Palace Las Vegas, will have an Independence Day fireworks display.The best views will be from the Las Vegas Strip at the front fountains of Caesars Palace.

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Station Casinos Independence Day Celebration 

(Please note that the Stations Casino is having only TWO fireworks displays this year instead of at all four Stations Casinos- plan accordingly!)

Fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 pm.

Date: Fri, July 4, 2014
Location: Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spas
2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052

Best viewing: Back Pool Area

Date: Fri, July 4, 2014
Location: Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135

Best viewing: Pool area and amphitheater

Station Casinos’ “We Love Locals” July 4th Fireworks Blast

The Station Casinos Las Vegas 2014 fireworks shows will go off on the east and west sides of town at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Red Rock Casino Resort. The fireworks show will last approximately nine minutes.

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Fun on the 4th at the Stratosphere

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tickets from $10
Stratosphere on the Strip

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower’s Fun on the Fourth extravaganza will offer something special for both adults and families. Adults will enjoy a festive evening at Stratosphere’s 8 Pool, featuring a live concert by Zowie Bowie. Food & drink specials will be sold at the 8 Pool Café/Bar, plus a limited number of special cabana packages are available. The celebration will be punctuated by a fireworks display by Grucci. Tickets are $10 per person and the party starts at 6 p.m. Adults can also enjoy the fireworks from the Level 107 Lounge. Dance to the sounds of DJ Shy and live band Treasure from 11 p.m.- 4 a.m. Early Happy Hour will feature half price appetizers and 2-for-1 cocktails from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and then Late Happy Hour at Level 107 will also offer half price appetizers from 10:30 p.m. -1 a.m. and 2-for-1 cocktails from 1 a.m. – 4 a.m. Families with children can watch fireworks from the tower with a beautiful view of the entire valley. From 6 – 10 p.m., tower admission to Levels 108 and 109 will be $28 for the general public and $10 for Stratosphere hotel guests.

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Rockets Over the River

Location: Laughlin Riverwalk
July 4th

Times: Dusk / 9:00+ pm
Cost: Free for viewing

Just after dark on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, the huge 24th annual Rockets Over The River fireworks display will be free for public viewing along the entire Laughlin River Walk and your favorite Laughlin hotel. 

Typically, this extraordinary display is one of the most spectacular and exciting in the West as the pyrotechnic company shoots its rockets into the dark desert sky and the reflection of each exploding shell shimmers over the swift-moving Colorado  River. 

Fabulous patriotic music will be choreographed to the show and simulcast over speakers by Laughlin hotels and local radio stations. You won't want to miss this all-American celebration and breathtaking event!

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Mesquite and Fireworks

Mesquite
Eureka Casino Resort is proud to host “Rockets over the Red Mesa” on Friday, July 4.  This free event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a community vendor village and DJ, along with a charity hot dog eating contest.

The celebration continues with a live performance from the Nevada POPS Orchestra at 8:00 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:00 p.m. The orchestra will accompany the fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day in true American style. Everyone is invited to attend this free event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs to the viewing area, which will be set up behind the Eureka Casino Resort.

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Pahrump Celebration!

Celebrate Independence Day at Petrack Park with an all-day festival, great food, games, arts and crafts, live music and finish the evening off with a spectacular fireworks show.

Pahrump, NV
11:00 am - 9:00 pm 

9:00 Fireworks

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Fireworks Over Primm

Starting at dusk, the night sky will be lit with the vibrant colors from the display. Arrive early for parking and fun at the resorts. The best viewing location is located in the Star of the Desert Arena parking lot at Buffalo Bill Resort.

Where: Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino
Primm, NV

Schedule:Fri, Jul 4:
    6:00 pm

Dusk: Fireworks