Columnist Barb Henderson: Helldorado Days returning to calendar

Barb Henderson

Friday, March 26, 2004 | 10:53 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Grab your cowboy hat, slip on those boots and saddle up the horse, partner, for the Helldorado Trail Ride.

The Las Vegas Elks Lodge No. 1468 Helldorado Riders have scheduled a trail ride for Saturday, May 1 to kick up interest and spur some excitement for the sensational return of "Helldorado Days" next year during the 100th birthday celebration of Las Vegas.

"Las Vegas Helldorado Days is kickin' again," said Duane La Duke, executive director of Helldorado Days.

"The City of Las Vegas asked the LV Elks Lodge to bring back Helldorado in 2005 because they want Helldorado to be part of the city's 100th birthday celebration in May. The Elks are very excited about putting on Helldorado Days again and look forward to making this one the best ever."

With all this excitement, why, it's no wonder that the Helldorado Riders have hankering to hold a Trail Ride this May. The event is open to all adult riders, a responsible adult must accompany youths under the age of 16 and pre-registration is required for all riders by April 18. The Trail Ride will be limited to the first 120 riders.

After a hearty cowboy breakfast, riders will ride off from base camp, which will be about 4.5 miles up Lee Canyon Road. A lunch will be provided along the trail, then it's back in the saddle to return to base camp for a delicious Dutch oven dinner followed by a rootin' tootin' good time under starlit skies.

The evening festivities should provide plenty of laughter and great entertainment. In fact, you may hear an occasional distant yelp from a coyote as it responds to the karaoke being sung from some riders who can only dream of being (grin) a western star.

"We will be recruiting about 50 new members this year. Our ride may be just the chance to slide off and cool your saddle with good folks and good horses. Whether a stall-fed tenderfoot or a cow folk from the boot heels up, you will be welcome in our camp," said "Young Bill" Schoening captain of the Elks Lodge No. 1468 Helldorado Riders.

This year the Helldorado Riders will donate 65 percent of the proceeds from the trail ride to the Las Vegas High School Rodeo Club. The Helldorado Riders have high expectations that the Helldorado Trail Ride, will become an annual event.

To receive information on registration fees and/or to register for the Helldorado Trail Ride on May 1, contact the Las Vegas Elks Lodge No. 1468 at 258-3557.

Cowboys and cowgirls will be ropin' and a ridin' once again in 2005 during the "Helldorado Days" when this popular event makes its way back home on the range. Helldorado Days originated in 1934, when city fathers in our area decided to organize an event that would bring the workers, who were working on the construction of Hoover Dam to Las Vegas. Elks Lodge No. 1468 adopted this organized event in 1935, and managed the local rodeo along with many volunteers until 1997.

"I think that the history of the Elks and the connection with Helldorado Days is a huge part of the history of Las Vegas," said Mayor Oscar Goodman.

La Duke said the schedule calls for a 10-carnival capped by a huge parade and running in conjunction with a PRCA rodeo event in Las Vegas. There will be western village, trail ride, golf tournament, queens tournament and chili cook-off.