Miller to miss first parade in nine years

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- For the first time in nine years, Gov. Bob Miller will miss the Nevada Day parade in Carson City.

But he has a good excuse. He will instead spend Thursday in Las Vegas greeting and accompanying President Clinton, who is making a campaign stop at the Clark County Government Center.

But Spike Wilson, a Democratic candidate for Congress District 2, says he's going to be in the parade and attend other functions in Carson City.

"My father helped found the Nevada Day parade," said Wilson, who will be in a horse and buggy with his family.

Wilson said the logistics would be too tough -- to ride in the parade that starts at 10 a.m. and then make it to Las Vegas for the president's noon appearance.

Miller's wife, Sandy, will be in the 250-entry parade and will again host an open house at the governor's mansion.

Thursday is the 132nd anniversary of Nevada's admittance to the union. The theme of this year's celebration is, "A Tribute to Nevada's Athletes."

About 15,000 people are expected to turn out for the celebration, which is a state holiday.

The Millers will be on the front steps of the governor's mansion Wednesday night to greet an expected 5,000 trick-or-treaters. Halloween is observed one day earlier in Carson City than the rest of the nation to avoid a conflict with the Nevada Day celebration.