With nice weather right around the corner, many nonprofit organizations are busy planning their fundraising events to help fund their annual programming. These events are dual-purpose. First, they provide needed revenue to the organization so they can continue to do great works for us in Boulder City, therefore adding to our quality of life. Second, special events draw guests from around Southern Nevada into our community and provide needed revenue to the businesses in our community. When the business core is healthy, we see benefits citywide.
I think I should have had a third important benefit: providing fun entertainment for each of us as residents, too. I know we all look forward to our hometown Christmas celebration, kids can’t wait to wear costumes and get loaded pillowcases of candy at Trunk or Treat, moms count the days to Art in the Park where they can get away for a little while enjoying the art, and dads are always anxious to see what cars will be displayed at the Wurst Festival.
I am sure you are aware of all the behind-the-scenes work it takes to plan, prepare and produce events of this size in Boulder City. Many staff and volunteer hours go into all the events. City staff must be fully engaged in the process from permitting to execution of street closures.
Many meetings are scheduled and time dedicated to seeing the event through to the dreaded cleanup. Then, the process starts all over again: planning for the following year, often before the props and trash cans are put away from this year’s event.
Wurst Festival efforts benefit the Boulder City High School senior grad party. It’s an iconic event that has become a right-of-passage for every Boulder City graduate. The Boulder City Sunrise Rotary puts in many hours in making sure the Wurst Festival is successful and provides not only entertainment that day but allows for an amazing and safe night immediately following the students’ graduation next spring.
This year’s Wurst Festival will also include an antique show in its lineup, with the always-loved live auction, silent auction and we cannot forget the ever-important brat. It’s Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., so mark your calendar.
Art in the Park, Oct. 1 and 2, is the largest nonprofit event in Boulder City and provides much-needed revenue to support worthy efforts at the Boulder City Hospital. I can remember the cute little “pink ladies” running the food booths when I was little. It has certainly evolved and expanded to a wonderful weekend of fine arts and crafts that offer something for everyone.
I have already had my annual phone call to ask if the gourd lady will be there and, if so, what time should they come to get in line so they won’t sell out before they get there. P.S. better make it by 8 a.m. or you’ll be walking away empty-handed. She usually sells out by 10 a.m. But that is our little secret.
Trunk or Treat, Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., is back in full swing after a COVID pivot. It feels like we’ve been pivoting in circles a lot for special events, and to be able to have the kids walking the park circle in their cute costumes again will be glorious.
This year we’ll have a costume parade that leads off the costume contest, so be sure to get in line for the 5:30 p.m. kickoff under the balloon arch. Trunk or Treating will be a one-way haunting and judging will take place as all contestants pass through the starting archway. There will be three bounce houses for different age groups, interactive games and the beloved hayride as well.
This year, if you are bringing candy to hand out from your trunk (decorated or not), you can set up starting at 3:30 p.m. and you’ll be receiving 50 percent off your entry fee of $20 per car. All activities are included in your entry fee.
Money raised at this event are earmarked for the free Christmas events such as the annual community tree lighting, Santa’s Picture Party and Santa’s Electric Night Parade.
Here’s a big thank you to all of you for constantly supporting the local nonprofits in some way. Whether you are a sponsor, a donor, an attendee or a volunteer, you all make a difference and it helps make life in Boulder City pretty dang special.
Jill-Rowland Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, is the third of four generations in Boulder City. She loves cooking, jet skiing and hanging out with her family. Her personal motto is “A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.”