Sixty years ago it was known for its above ground testing.  Today, it is a historical site and you can now visit the Nevada Proving Grounds where much of that history was made:

There was a time when a mushroom cloud billowing over the Nevada desert was celebrated as a symbol of American strength — and, about 75 miles southeast in Las Vegas, as a terrific tourist draw.

In the 1950s, casinos threw "dawn parties," where gamblers caroused until a flash signaled the explosion of an atomic bomb at the Nevada Test Site. Tourism boosters promoted the Atomic Cocktail (vodka, brandy, champagne and a dash of sherry) and pinups such as Miss Atomic Blast, who was said to radiate "loveliness instead of deadly atomic particles."

Sixty years after the first atmospheric tests here, the 1,375-square-mile site continues to be a tourist magnet, though of a far different nature. Thousands of people each year sign up months in advance to see what is essentially a radioactive ghost town.

The tourists ride in an air-conditioned bus through part of the site, but it might as well be a time machine. The era feted is one of Soviet bad guys, grade-school air raid drills and warnings delivered in capital letters: Visitors are welcomed by the sign ACCESS LIMITED.

There's no mention of the thousands of "downwinders" poisoned by radiation, or the 1.6 trillion gallons of water under the site that have been contaminated. In videos, the end of testing in 1992 is spoken of in near-mournful tones. The tour's intent, said spokesman Darwin Morgan, is to explain what unfolded on the site, not the fallout from it.

Today, 1,000 or so employees — down from the 10,000 who once worked here — mainly carry out less exotic tasks: training first responders, burying toxic waste. The tours wend through these areas, but the bomb refuse remains the star attraction.

The outing has changed little since it was launched in the 1980s, when the tour was sometimes canceled due to "program activities" (as in, explosions).

That may explain its rigidity, beginning with the packet each tour-goer is mailed. No cameras, it said. Or cellphones, BlackBerrys, binoculars, laptops or recorders. If contraband is discovered, THE TOUR MAY BE TERMINATED.

One morning last month, a tour bus departed about 8 a.m. from Las Vegas for the 90-minute drive to the site. En route tourists watched a low-budget video, which included a shot of a human arm disappearing into the side of a steer.

Four test site steers were "fistulated," or given a surgical opening so scientists could reach in to take samples from their stomachs. One of them, named Big Sam, often appeared at fairs.

When the bus pulled up to what is now called the Nevada National Security Site, guide John Robson pointed out two pens where protesters had been detained. They resembled the pens out at bomb sites where pigs had been corralled to test the effects of radiation.

Robson, a retired test site engineer, stepped off the bus to grab some paperwork. "Several of the places we go want records of who's been there," he said. Then a guard in desert fatigues walked through the bus to check tourists' badges. He was armed.

For more on the story:

http://tinyurl.com/3c6hznq

Photo credit:  Life Magazine

The Alpine Village

Alarmco Building

Bonanza Village ad

Sultan's Table

Welcome to one of the most comprehensive 4th of July Las Vegas celebrations on the web.  Between now and the holiday weekend, we will be updating this info regularly as information becomes available.

The upcoming July 4th holiday weekend will be a long one, with the 4th falling on a Monday this year.  

If you are traveling to Las Vegas, be sure to check out our new section on Special Hotel and Show Discounts.

Stations Casino has announced that they will have fireworks displays at five casinos, likely the Aliante, Fiesta Rancho, Texas, Red Rock and Green Valley Ranch.

The Hilton Hotel will have a fireworks display.

Let's get started:

JULY 1st: (NEW ADDITION)

Yankee Doodle at the Pool (all ages)
Friday, July 1, 12 to 5pm
Participate in many water games and activities as we celebrate our independence in all city pools!

Baker Pool, 1100 E. St. Louis Ave., (702) 229-1532.
Carlos L. Martinez and Darrio J. Hall Family Pool at Freedom Park, 889 N. Pecos Road.,(702) 229-1755.
Doolittle Pool, 1950 N. J St., (702) 229-6398.
Garside Pool, 300 S. Torrey Pines Dr., (702) 229-6393.
Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6309.
Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, (702) 229-1488.

Daily Fee of $1 for ages 4-17; $2 for ages 18-49; $1.50 for ages 50+; free for ages 0-3.

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July 2nd:

North Las Vegas 11th Annual Independence Day Jubilee

Includes Fireworks

The City of North Las Vegas in its 10th Annual Independence Day Jubilee from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, at Seastrand Park, 6330 Camino Eldorado.

Come enjoy live entertainment, kid's activities, a spectacular Fireworks display, food and beverage and pay Tribute to our Armed Forces.

The event also includes children’s activities, two sets of live entertainment and food vendors.

For safety reasons, pets, glass bottles, umbrellas and umbrella chairs, fireworks, tents, tables and portable grills are prohibited at this event.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Parking is limited. For more information, call the City’s Special Events Office at (702) 633-2650, or visit the City’s website at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com .

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Las Vegas Springs Preserve

"Red, White and Tunes"

July 2nd

8:00 -10:00 pm

Kick-off your Independence Day weekend with family-friendly fun and patriotic music as the Springs Preserve hosts Red, White and Tunes, featuring a performance by the UNLV Community Band and barbershop/a cappella quartet Ready or Not.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own small folding chairs to the event. Ice cream, snow cones, hot dogs and other summertime goodies will be available for purchase. Please note: There will be no fireworks show at this event.

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July 3rd:

Las Vegas 51's Baseball Game

and Fireworks

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

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July 4th: (corrected date)

Summerlin July 4th Parade

The annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade returns July 4th,  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The parade begins at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in The Trails Village of Summerlin.

Participants travel south toward the Village Center Circle roundabout before heading west on Trailwood Drive.

It usually attracts more than 25,000 people. The event is free.

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July 3rd:

Thursday, July 3rd:

Annual Night of Fire at the Bullring at

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 Thursday, July 1, 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.

Spectator admission:
Adults: $15.
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID: $12.
Children (6-12): $5.
Family 4-Pak (2 adults and 2 children): $38.
Stockyard (VIP tailgate area in Turns 3 and 4): $149 (includes 4 admission tickets). Stockyard passes are available for purchase by visiting or calling the LVMS Ticket Services Office.

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 www.LVMS.com.

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 JULY 3rd: (NEW ADDITION)

Lake Las Vegas Independence Day Celebration
Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas
Sunday, July 3, 2011, 3pm-10pm

Celebrate the 4th of July at Lake Las Vegas!

There will be events all day from 3pm to 8pm
Live DJ, kids games, face painting & a balloon artist. BBQs food will be available for purchase from
Sonrisa Grill, Sunset & Vines & Auld Dubliner.

From 8pm to 9 pm the Henderson Symphony will perform
lakeside. A fireworks show will begin at 9pm.

Admission is free

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July 3rd:

CAESAR'S PALACE ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS SHOW

Caesars Palace announced today that it will have a fireworks show on Sunday, July 3rd.  Show is scheduled to begin at 9:15 pm (Note new time).  UPDATED:  Fireworks will be triggered from the Roman Tower.

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July 3rd: (NEW Addition):

EL Cortez Hotel

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

1:oo - 6:00

The Classic Car Show is featuring more than 60 American-made classic cars, photo opportunities, music by Ryan Whyte Maloney Band and Freddie Eckstein Group, food and other activities will run 1-6 p.m. Sunday at the Jackie Gaughan Parkway at El Cortez, 600 Fremont St. (385-5200).

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July 3rd: (NEW ADDITION)

SALUTE TO FREEDOM CONCERT,

featuring Mark Wills and Mark Chesnutt,

 8 p.m. Sunday at the Amphitheater at Sunset Station,

1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson.

The show is for ages 21 and older.

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July 2nd-4th:

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

July 2nd - 4th

Summer of the '80s Celebration continues

Faux Fireworks Display on the FSE Canopy

Colin Hay of Men at Work helps the FSE celebrate the  4^th of July weekend on Friday, July 2nd.

  The evening of the 4^th of July will also showcase a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy.

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JULY 2nd - 3rd: (NEW ADDITION)

RED, WHITE and AZURE

The Palazzo's Azure Pool

BBQ

Priced from just $15, the BBQ will feature all your backyard favorites.  The pool will remain open an extra hour until 7 p.m. and DJ entertainment will be provided for party-goers. Cabana and daybed reservations are recommended and may be reserved by calling (702) 767-3742.

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July 2nd & 4th:

Laughlin, Nevada announces:

When:  July 2nd & July4, the festivities begin just after dusk

Where: Laughlin

How Much: FREE to the public along the Laughlin River walk
 

More Info: 800-227-5245 or 702-298-2214
Enjoyone of the mostspectaular fireworks display in the West choreographed to fabulous patriotic music simulcast on various local radio stations.

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July 4th:

62nd Annual Boulder City Damboree

When: July 4th
Where: Boulder City
Schedule: Pancake Breakfast - Bicentennial Park - 7am
Parade - Nevada Way - 9am
Damboree Ceremonies and Midway Booths - Broadbent Park- 11am

Fireworks Festivities - Veteran's Memorial Park - 6pm with fireworks at 9:00 followed by live music by Heels Over Head at 9:45.

 
Visit the Boulder Dam Damboree online

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July 4th:

July 4, 2011
Basic High School Football Field
400 North Palo Verde Drive
Henderson, NV 89015
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION

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July 4th:

The Stations Casinos Announces that they are offering the largest fireworks show in town!

Monday, July 4th!

  FIREWORKS FUN SCHEDULED FOR 8:45 PM

Continuing its 4th of July tradition, five Station Casinos’ properties will host the largest 4th of July fireworks show in Southern Nevada on Monday, July 4 around 8:45 p.m. for the entire community to enjoy.

The nine-minute fireworks show, named “Station Casinos’ 4th of July Blast” will be in celebration of the nation’s 235th birthday and will be featured at Aliante Station,  Green Valley Ranch Resort,  Fiesta Rancho and  Texas Station as a shared location and Red Rock Resort.

The fireworks show will be produced by Fireworks by the Gruccis of New York, one of the premiere fireworks companies in the world who annually produces the 4th of July fireworks events as well past hotel-casino openings on behalf of Station Casinos.

For guests interested in staying at one of the participating hotel-casinos, Station Casinos now offers a new and exclusive hotel discount program, available only online at www.stationcasinos.com that offers room rate discounts for advance, pre-paid reservations.

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July 4th:

LAS VEGAS HILTON ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS SHOW

The Las Vegas Hilton announced today that it will have a fireworks show on July 4th.  The fun is set to begin at 9:20 pm

There will be an invitation-only party poolside but the hotel says the best place to view the fireworks will be near the entrance to the Sports Book.

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July 4th:

Mystic Roots and Fireworks

Mandalay Bay

9:00 pm

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2E0046CADE003873

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 JULY 4th: (NEW ADDITION)

RIO HOTEL

Sapphire Pool

7:00 - 10:00 pm

Fireworks show, entertainment and a traditional BBQ. Tickets are $50 and reservations may be made by calling (702) 448-6789.

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Stay tuned, more info coming!!!

The Nevada State Museum in Lorenzi Park is on the move.  They have been packing up their collections and moving over to their new home at the Springs Preserve.

As part of this big move, the Gift Shop at their current location in Lorenzi Park will be having a liquidation sale on Saturday, June 18th.  Everything in the shop will be 40% off.  The hours will be 9am - 5pm.  The money made during the sale will be used to help fund the big move.

The Gift Shop has books on Nevada and Las Vegas history, Southwestern jewelry, videos, a children's section and more.

So, head on over on Saturday, June 18th and pick up a deal or two!

Carolyn Goodman, wife of termed out mayor Oscar, won her bid to be the next mayor of Las Vegas in a race that wasn't quite the landslide her supporters expected.

With 96% of the vote in, Goodman called a victory and opponent County Commissioner Chris G called to concede.  Goodman won with 60% to 40% but hardly the complete landslide her supporters had expected.  Chris G remains a County Commissioner with a bright political future.

In other races, Bob Coffin won the Ward 3 race.  Former opponent Steve Evans provided a great deal of moral support and a graciousness rarely seen in today's politics by throwing his support and that of his supporters to Coffin after the prelim election a few months ago.

Voter turnout was low but with Carolyn Goodman vows to continue the plans her husband put in place during his tenure as the previous "happiest mayor in the world".

Our best wishes to Carolyn Goodman and the job ahead.