Many believe that Las Vegas already provides the best ‘Hell on Earth’- but it’s all good clean Old West fun when the Helldorado Days celebration comes to the middle of downtown Las Vegas this weekend in Las Vegas.
Things come and go in Las Vegas, however, Helldorado Days, sponsored by the Las Vegas Elks Lodge, has been a local tradition and favorite since 1934. A parade, rodeo, carnival and Whiskerino contest – competitors are judged for the best and largest beards and mustaches – are featured events.
A variety of entertainment will be ongoing today through Sunday at the Fremont Street Experience throughout Helldorado Days.
The PRCA sanctioned professional rodeo, which started in 1944, but has been on hiatus for the last 12 years, will be centerpiece anchor of this year’s event. Local companies donated 2,700 tons of dirt for a temporary rodeo arena that holds 5,300 people.
Hopefully, the rodeo and many other activities will provide paydirt for the Elks Lodge, which uses the proceeds from Helldorado Days to fund local nonprofit organizations. The Elks hope to bugle if they raise their goal of $100,000 to give out college scholarships, support for nonprofits and a summer Santa program for children at Child Haven.
Carnival – 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Carnival tickets cost $, but free with purchase of rodeo ticket.
PRCA Rodeo – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Sunday; 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12.50 for adults, $6.50 for children 12 and younger.
Whiserkino contest – 4:45 p.m. on Friday at the Third Streeet stage at Fremont Streeet Experience.
Helldorado parade – 7 p.m to 9 p.m. Saturday, travels north on Fourth Street from Charleston Boulevard to Ogden Avenue.
For more info, www.elkshelldorado.com
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 