Springsational set for Saturday

Local favorites return to festival

Saturday's Springsational Heritage Parade & Festival will feature the return of two event favorites, a chili cook-off and classic car show.

According to Carolyn Andersen, special events recreation coordinator for the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department, both events had been discontinued in past years but residents have requested their return.

An annual event for decades geared toward Henderson residents of all ages, the Springsational Heritage Parade & Festival allows residents to gather in celebration of the city's history. The parade will begin at noon Saturday, running along Water Street from Ocean Avenue to Victory Road.

This year's parade theme, "Henderson: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," encompasses where the city has been and where it's going, Andersen said.

"It's contributing a lot of the sense of community among residents of Henderson for 48 years," she said.

Just under 100 parade entrants are expected, ranging from dance and drill teams to horses and specialty floats. Andersen said several parade entries are out-of-town regulars who make the trip each year.

An award ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Market Street to honor winning entries.

Actor and artist Tony Curtis will serve as the parade's grand marshal, a decision Andersen said was a perfect choice.

"He lives in Henderson," she said. "And he's a distinguished resident of Henderson."

Before the parade gets underway, the classic car show will start at 9 a.m. Saturday on Market Street. Coordinated by the Las Vegas Cruisin' Association, the show will feature dozens of custom vehicles, hot rods, vintage automobiles and street rods.

At a 3 p.m. awards ceremony, trophies will be given out in a variety of categories, including favorite picks by the public, Mayor Jim Gibson and the Henderson police and fire departments.

Gibson and Henderson City Council members also will host a pancake breakfast at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of Henderson Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. Andersen said it's a great opportunity for residents to meet their city leaders.

The chili cook-off will take place in the Sprint parking lot on Market Street at 12:30 p.m. Andersen said seven entrants are registered, including both private individuals and restaurants.

For $1 residents can become a judge and receive chili samples. An award ceremony will take place at 2:45 p.m. Admission is free to all events.

Some road closures will be in effect beginning Friday night near the parade route and lasting through Saturday night. Water Street from Major Street to Lake Mead Parkway will be off limits to vehicle traffic on Saturday.