Jason Gardner competes in the newspaper toss during the End of Bike Week Party on Friday evening in McFadden Plaza.
In case the tornado warning, hailstorm and dropping temperatures this week weren’t already reminder enough that summer is coming to an end, the deadline for Nevada Day entries is upon us — proving that fall is all but officially here.
Ken Hamilton, executive director of Nevada Day, Inc., said the deadline to avoid late fees has been extended over the weekend to 5 p.m. Monday.
“We got a new system and we’ve had some issues, so we’re waiving the late fees until Monday,” he said. “We figured we’d extend it to give people a break, but get your fees in or you’re going to end up paying more.”
Regardless of the fee, he encouraged people to get their entries in as soon as possible to ensure a spot in the parade.
“We start creating the parade on the first of October,” Hamilton said. “We won’t be accepting applications after Sept. 29.”
It could close down even sooner, he said, if the 200-entry cap is reached. So far, he’s guessing about 120 applications have been filed.
This year’s theme is Arts and Entertainment.
“We’d like people to stick as much as they can to the theme,” he said. “With arts and entertainment, that’s pretty broad. People can get pretty creative.”
He said some past years have proved difficult in sticking with the theme, but people are finding it easier this year, as the arts can range from culinary to visual arts to dancing, music and more.
“It’ll be fun to see what people come up with,” he said. “And if people need help coming up with any ideas, they can give us a call, we’d be happy to help them out.”
Hamilton also encouraged sponsors to complete their forms as soon as possible.
“We still have some sponsorships available, but the spots are running out in the program and online,” he said. “I’d like to have all of that finalized by the end of the month as well.”
This year’s parade will be 10 a.m. Oct. 28.
The Beard Contest, which begins just as the parade ends, will return this year to McFadden Plaza.
“It worked out really well for us there last year, so we’re happy we can be there again,” Hamilton said.
The World Championship Single-Jack Rock Drilling Contest, which begins at 11 a.m., will move this year to the parking lot of the Max Casino.
“They’ve taken it on as a sponsor this year,” Hamilton said. “And that will be a really good spot. It’s right across the street from the review stand at the Carson Plaza.”
As the day approaches, Hamilton said, he’s getting increasingly excited for the Nevada Day celebration in honor of the state’s acceptance into the Union.
“It’s shaping up really nicely,” he said. “It’s going to be great — just like it is every year.”
Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.