Assembly OKs Nevada Day bill

Tuesday, May 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill aimed at rekindling interest in the anniversary of the state's admission to the Union was approved by the Assembly and sent to the Senate.

Assemblyman Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, said the state capital experiences "dwindling participation" at the Nevada Day celebration Oct. 31 when it falls in the middle of the week.

Assembly Bill 396, approved 34-5, would ask voters in the 1998 election if they want to have Nevada Day celebrated on the last Friday of October, making it a three-day holiday. The outcome of the election would not, however, be binding on lawmakers to change the day.

Nevada Day became a legal holiday in 1939 and traditionally there has been a big celebration in Carson City. When it falls in mid-week, attendance is down and many of the high school bands that want to march in the parade can't make the event.

Assemblyman Pete Ernaut, R-Reno, said the festivities have evolved to a northern celebration. "It should be shared by all the people. When it falls in the middle of the week, it makes it impossible for people from Southern Nevada to participate."

Assemblywoman Chris Giun-chigliani, D-Las Vegas, a schoolteacher, said children in Southern Nevada think the holiday is in celebration of Halloween. And the switch would "give all the students an opportunity to participate in the parade."

The idea for changing the celebration to the last Friday of October came from former Mayor Marv Teixeira, who got the business community to support him. Originally it called for the Legislature to make the change this year. But then the Nevada Day Committee, which puts on the festivities, decided it would be better to see if residents wanted it.

Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, also a schoolteacher, spoke against the bill. "I believe we should stay on Oct. 31," Anderson said. "If there's confusion in the minds of the schoolchildren, then it's our fault."

Amodei said it was "not set in stone" that Nevada Day has always been celebrated Oct. 31. When it falls on a Saturday, Nevada Day is observed on Friday. When it hits on a Sunday, the festivities are held on Monday.

Voting with Anderson against the bill were Las Vegas Democrats Doug Bache, Barbara Buckley and Ellen Koivisto and Republican Brian Sandoval of Reno.