Casino lights to dim in tribute to Reagan

Kevin Rademacher

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 9:11 a.m.

In a rare display, Las Vegas' trademark casino lights are expected to dim Friday night in honor of former President Ronald Reagan, who spent two weeks in the 1950s as a Strip headliner.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority -- at the recommendation of board member and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman -- on Tuesday asked resorts to dim their lights for three minutes at 9 p.m. on Friday in honor of Reagan.

It is believed to be just the sixth time the lights have been dimmed. In the past, casinos similar gestures with the passing of entertainers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., George Burns and Dean Martin. Lights also were dimmed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In making the proposal to the LVCVA board, Goodman said it would be a strong gesture "based on the particular type of media coverage the city has had to endure this past week."

Goodman was referring to a series of stories in the New York Times that many political and business leaders considered disparaging.

Don Snyder, a fellow board member and president of Boyd Gaming Corp., responded with support to Goodman's idea.

"I think it's absolutely appropriate," he said.

Lights are expected to dim both on the Strip and along Fremont Street. Boyd executives confirmed that their properties will participate. An MGM MIRAGE spokeswoman also said the company will dim the marquee lights at its local properties.

Caesars Entertainment also will turn down its lights.

"We are going to accept the LVCVA's invitation and participate," said Caesars spokesman Robert Stewart. "Regardless of politics, it's a show of respect for the office."

Reagan made several trips to Nevada during his presidency, and had strong ties with the state before moving into the White House. During his tenure as California governor, Reagan worked with then-Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt to manage development at Lake Tahoe.

He also made fishing trips to Lake Mead and, as both an actor and governor, made many Las Vegas-area speeches and attended numerous ribbon cuttings.

Reagan also had a two-week engagement as a Strip headliner at the Last Frontier in 1954.