Henderson plans celebration for golden anniversary

Mayor James Gibson will announce plans for the city of Henderson's 50th anniversary at the state of the city address, scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas.

The city staff is putting the final touches on events for Henderson's "50 days for 50 years" celebration to recognize the city's articles of incorporation, which were approved on April 16, 1953, by the Nevada Legislature, paving the way for the election of a council and mayor that June.

"We're looking at a communitywide effort," said Cindy Herman, public information officer for the city. "This will be something to show we are an established community with a proud history."

Herman said event planning for the "50 days," which are expected to begin March 22, is nearing completion. Festivities would combine old and new, adding a theme to annual events such as ArtFest in the city's old Water Street area, and introducing new events in new areas, such as the Pavilion at Liberty Point in Green Valley Ranch.

The golden anniversary comes a year after Henderson's population swelled beyond 200,000. Rapid development built the city into Nevada's second largest in less than half a century.

"In some parts of the nation, 50 is not old. Here in the Wild West, 50 is a long time," Herman said. "But then few cities in older areas have ever experienced growth the way we have."

Herman said the occasion marks a time for the city to look back on its heritage and establish its modern identity.

A change in civic events may reflect Henderson's new character. The city's Chamber of Commerce, which has held the Industrial Days Parade -- later renamed Heritage Days -- almost since the city's founding, has decided to retire the annual event. Representatives for the organization said the parade no longer reflected local business, which at one time was predominately chemical companies but has shifted toward services.

The shift has prompted the city to fill in the void with a new slate of events more in line with modern Henderson, such as a holiday parade started late last year.

"That's part of the charm of Henderson. You have these events that have been held almost since day one. People want their children to be able to participate in these events like Industrial Days," Herman said.

Before its official incorporation, Henderson played a crucial role in the war effort of World War II as the site of a factory to refine magnesium for use in aircraft and munitions. The first crews began laying the groundwork for the factory and an accompanying town site for workers on Sept. 15, 1941.

The community became known as Henderson on Jan. 10, 1944, with the dedication of its first post office building, taking its name from Sen. Charles B. Henderson of Nevada.

Following a post-war decline, the city has experienced a near-continuous development boom since 1950.

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