Exclusive centennial license plates will be sold at auction

Monday, May 3, 2004 | 9:45 a.m.

In celebration of Las Vegas' 100th birthday, an exclusive series of Las Vegas Centennial license plates will be auctioned off to benefit the centennial.

On May 12 plate numbers LV001 through LV100, some paired with special prize packages, will be awarded to the highest bidders during live and silent auctions between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Fremont Street Experience, Third Street Stage.

The free event will include food as well as entertainment by the Next Generation of the Rat Pack Group, which features portrayals of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.

In a written statement, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, chairman of the Centennial Celebration Executive Committee, indicated there is a certain license plate number he would like to get his hands on -- though he didn't say which one.

"I'm going to be an aggressive bidder," he said. "It's wonderful to see so many of the centennial license plates already on cars; and for those wanting one of the first 100 plates, the May 12 auction is the place to be."

The Las Vegas Centennial license plate has become the most popular specialty plate in Nevada history, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. More than 19,000 have been sold, generating more than $400,000 to help pay for festivities planned throughout 2005.

The centennial license plate with the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign will no longer be made after 2006.

A variety of license plates will be paired up with special prize packages, including two one-year automobile leases from Findlay Toyota; several dinner and show packages; a Blue Man Group package with two VIP show tickets, backstage meet-and-greet and photo with the group, merchandise and dinner for two at Fusia; and Sam's Town 300 package with infield tickets, VIP parking, Speedway Charity Auction tickets and a Coca-Cola autographed jacket.

For more information or to pre-register a bid, call the Las Vegas Centennial office at (702) 229-2005.