On October 31, 1864. Nevada became the 36th state in the United States. This was after President Lincoln proclaimed statehood following the approval of an enabling act in March 1864 and voters’ overwhelming approval of the state constitution in September 1864.
As always, there is much more to the story, but it's essential to understand that Las Vegas was created under a cloud of corruption, and this remains true to this day. It’s in our DNA.
Halloween? A State Holiday?
When I first moved here, Halloween was an actual State holiday. Schools, banks, and government offices were closed. Given that it's Las Vegas and, well, Halloween, the state holiday made perfect sense.
Then I learned that wasn't the real reason we got the day off. Now, it's called “Statehood Day,” and it’s celebrated on the last Friday in October. Bummer.
Enter, Lonnie Hammargren
When I started the original podcast, one of the first shows featured an interview with a man from my home state, Minnesota. Lonnie Hammargren.
Lonnie was many things, mostly the butt of many jokes due to his eccentric nature. But a lot of people are walking around today because of what he did as a neurosurgeon, or just being the really nice guy that he was.
On Halloween, Lonnie would open up his three houses, yes, three houses, to the public for a donation that benefited Living Grace Homes, a charity organization for homeless, pregnant, and parenting young women.
What did he have that took up three houses? Well, let’s put it this way. If you wanted to find a piece of Nevada history, especially Las Vegas History, your first stop would always be Lonnies house(s). If he didn't have it, then you would go look in the museums.
The rule was - always check Lonnies’ house first.
Lonnie left us on June 13, 2023. His passing was due to complications related to his struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was 85
Fetish and Fantasy Ball
Then Vegas updated the Halloween game with the “Only in Las Vegas” style of a party. The Fetish and Fantasy Ball. Yeap! It was just what the name implies.
You had several indoor stages featuring various musical acts, along with some great creative artists reenacting parts of favorite childhood storybooks that needed a more adult interpretation. Often involving helpless female victims, lots of chains, some flame throwers, and of course, chainsaws… Gotta have chainsaws.
It doesn't take much to imagine that in Vegas on Halloween, the costumes are pretty off the charts as well. In a normal town, many of them would violate several indecent exposure laws… Here, it’s expected.
FYI: By Nevada law, as long as the naughty parts are covered, you’re good to go.
On a typical night on the Strip and at the Fremont Street Experience, people-watching is a sport. On Halloween, it became people watching on steroids! You see it all (almost). In here, it was pure sexual perversion, Vegas style!
Of course, once Vegas became a pure corporate entity, things like this became too much for the powers that be; after almost a decade, the event was no more.
Halloween Turns Corporate
Recently, AREA 15 “zone” added Universal Horror Unleashed. A haunted house attraction is open all year. Frieght Fest all year long!
That's on top of whatever the wacky muses inside Area 15 created for this special night. You leave your expectations at the door with this place…
What’s AREA 15? Good question. Let’s try this..
Area 15 is an experiential entertainment district in Las Vegas, featuring immersive art, unique retail, dining, and live events. It is described as an “immersive playground” that combines a unique art exhibit with a variety of entertainment experiences, attractions, and a food and beverage scene.
Just Google it!
Leave the kiddies at home
Through the years, the modesty police, along with some very loud and obnoxious Karens, have crimped the Vegas free-for-all style of parties.
That’s not to say we turned puritan or anything. There is still a lot that happens on a night like this that would even make Hugh Hefner blush.
Halloween on the Vegas tourist corridor, you will find something there for just about any party-loving adult to indulge in. Perhaps with a bit more creative flair.
So, if you plan to be here for Halloween, my best advice would be to come, party, indulge, and enjoy. But this is one time that it's best to leave Jr. at home. Especially when, like this year, Halloween is on a weekend. I'm pretty sure the party and debacherie will last all weekend long!
Your Thoughts?
Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist
P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter
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