Question: I've been hearing bits and pieces about the upcoming Las Vegas centennial celebration. What can you tell us?

June in Chicago

Answer: May 15, 2005, will mark the 100th anniversary of Las Vegas, and the city famous for its excess and extravagance will stay true to form with a series of celebratory events.

The kickoff will come this New Year's Eve with the annual fireworks spectacular, kicked up a notch or 10 with bigger and better pyrotechnics and a host of cutting-edge multimedia tricks designed to spotlight the city's history. Although plans are not finalized, the wish list includes a historical video, projected media, 200 light cannons and a satellite feed so the entire world can watch.

During the official birthday week in May, Las Vegas will see a return of the Helldorado festival, a kitschy western-themed event held in the city for more than 60 years until 1997. The centennial version will consist of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association Wintering Final Rodeo, a carnival, a western village on Fremont Street, parade and another big fireworks display during the street festival on May 15.

Haven't had enough fireworks yet? Mark down Independence Day for yet another big bang, as officials recreate a New Year's Eve-style event by closing down the Strip and launching fireworks from around the city. Major concerts by big-name acts are promised at venues all over town.

Other, less-showy centennial plans include a Las Vegas Walk of Fame -- most likely on Fremont Street -- featuring the people who helped make Vegas famous. It'll be patterned after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, only the Vegas version will use poker-chip shape plaques with the fame names instead of stars.

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In Next Week's Column

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A time capsule, the world's largest birthday cake, an antique air-show parade, historical markers, a mass wedding and much more are in the planning stages.

You can keep track of what's going on with the Las Vegas centennial celebration at LasVegas2005.org.

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