Hotel Apache, Fremont Street, Las Vegas, c. 1935.



the first elevator (the Apache Hotel in 1932)



The oldest part of the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino opens as the Apache Hotel, with 100 rooms and the town's first elevator. It was a frequent stopover for Hollywood celebrities such as Clark Gable during the years of Boulder Dam construction. Before the Horseshoe opened, the casino has also been known as the Pache Club, S.S. Rex and Eldorado Club.

World famous fan-dancer, Sally Rand, brought her review to Las Vegas in the early thirties.

A Las Vegas tradition since 1934, Helldorado Days recaptures the spirit of the Old West. It is a celebration of our community's western heritage for residents and visitors alike!



The Helldorado Queen contest began in 1936 as a beauty contest, with a $50 prize for first place. Four decades later, Las Vegas Helldorado Days adopted the Miss Rodeo America contest rules and judged contestants on appearance, personality and horsemanship. Helldorado Queens represented the Helldorado Rodeo at the Miss Nevada pageant in Reno, in addition to various speaking engagements and appearances at western states rodeos through their one-year reigns.



The Las Vegas Centennial will bring back the spirit and camaraderie of Helldorado Days with a "Salute to Helldorado Days" May 12-15 at Fremont Street Experience. The four-day event will feature many Helldorado Days favorites including Kangaroo Court and the Whiskerino Beard Growing Contest. Free weekend concerts will be performed both Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00 p.m. by Paul Revere & The Raiders, Asleep at the Wheel, Chubby Checkers and Pam Tillis. Fremont Street Experience will also debut its newest viva vision show LUCKY VEGAS, on Friday May 13 at 8 p.m. in honor of the Centennial.



Nightime parade celebrating the start of Helldorado Days.



















The Swiss Cafe on Fremont Street.



Sam's Steaks on Fremont Street.





The Navajo Motel on Fremont Street.



The Swanky Club, later the long popular Green Shack Restaurant.