Helldorado Days brings the Wild West back to downtown Las Vegas, Thursday, May 12 through Sunday May 15. Launched in 1935 as a way to drive traffic to the area and generate interest in Las Vegas, the outdoor carnival and rodeo event is produced by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No. 1468. Today, the event attracts more than 15,000 people and generates funding for the Elks' support of children and veterans.

Helldorado Days 2011 highlights
Thursday, May 12

• Helldorado Rodeo, 7pm, Downtown Rodeo Grounds

Friday, May 13

• Whiskerino Contest, 6pm (Longest Beard, Best Groomed Beard, Most Unique Beard,
       Longest Moustache, Best Moustache, Best Goatee), Downtown Rodeo Grounds
•  PRCA Pro Rodeo, 8pm, Downtown Rodeo Grounds

Saturday, May 14

• Helldorado Days Parade and fireworks, 7-9pm, Fourth Street from Gass Avenue to
       Ogden Avenue
•  PRCA Pro Rodeo, 9pm - midnight (gates open at 5pm), Downtown Rodeo Grounds

Sunday, May 15

• PRCA Pro Rodeo, 7pm, Downtown Rodeo Grounds

For a full schedule and more information, visit www.elkshelldorado.com

National 9/11 Flag Tour visits Nevada
May 12 at Fifth Street School

A giant American flag that was destroyed in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, is
now being stitched back together on a journey across America that will continue through the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The National 9/11 Flag will become a part of the permanent collection of The National September 11 Memorial & Museum being built at Ground Zero in New York City, remaining a symbol of service, volunteerism and unity.

The National 9/11 Flag Tour will arrive in Las Vegas and be hosted by United Way of Southern Nevada at the Historic Fifth
Street School from noon to 3pm on Thursday, May 12. For more information, visit http://national911flag.org/.

Downtown Bike-a-Thon May 21 benefits Tonopah Community Garden

A downtown bike-a-thon takes place Saturday, May 21 to raise funds for Las Vegas' first public community garden:
Tonopah Community Garden, located at 711 N. Tonopah Dr.

With three ride distances (5, 30 and 60 miles) to choose from, as well as a bike carnival, the whole family is invited
to participate. The event supports Tonopah Community Garden's efforts to create personal and social change through sustainable agriculture in the heart of Las Vegas. For more information and to register, visit http://tonopahgarden.wordpress.com/

Photo by Frank West