Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a proclamation naming October 31 as Nevada Day and issued a message in honor of the Silver State’s 158th birthday.

The letter reads in part:

“Born in battle, Nevada’s origins remain worthy of honor, and we do all Nevadans proud, past and present, when we celebrate our shared history on the 31st day of October each year,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “What I’m thinking about most today is what makes our state truly special: you and your families. Every day bright minds are building the future of Nevada – there’s truly no better state to call home. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Governor of the great State of Nevada.”

Tomorrow, Friday, October 28, is Nevada Day (observed) and State offices are closed for the official holiday.

On Monday, October 31, the public is invited to trick-or-treat at the Governor’s Mansion as Governor and First Lady Sisolak give out candy. Trick-or-treating starts at 5:00 p.m.

Attached to this release is a copy of the proclamation and letter from the Governor.

Nevada Day Letter text:

Dear Nevadans,

The story of Nevada’s Civil War founding is well known. Born in battle, Nevada’s origins remain worthy of honor, and we do all Nevadans – past and present – proud when we celebrate our shared history on the 31st day of October each year.

There is, however, so much more to remember about Nevada than just the first day in its 158-year history, and so much more to commemorate than just a single moment in time, long ago. This weekend, as we celebrate Nevada Day, I’d like to highlight some of the Nevada treasures I’m reflecting on.

First, we must recognize our Tribal ancestors. While Nevada became a state in 1864, our native sisters and brothers were here long before. Their stewardship of the land and rich traditions remain an important part of our state’s identity today. Today, Nevada is home to 28 Tribal nations and thousands of Tribal members.

Next, I’m thinking of the natural wonders across our great state. From Lake Tahoe to Valley of Fire, there is so much beauty and history to celebrate. Nevada is the seventh largest state in the union and our state has the most mountain ranges in the lower 48. The wildlife that shares our state is as expansive as the land we live on. From desert big horn sheep to Amargosa toads, our state is home to some of the country’s most diverse ecosystems. We are blessed with year-round outdoor activities thanks to our state’s geography. There is truly no better state to call home.

Nevada has a rich history of ingenuity. In 1933, when workers took to building the Hoover Dam, hard hats were invented in Nevada to keep them safe. Years earlier, in 1931, the state’s first casino was built in the middle of the desert; a site that would later house the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Blue jeans and the TV laugh track were also both invented in our home state.

And today, because of the decades of forward thinking and innovation from our fellow Nevadans, we are on the leading edge of water conservation in Southern Nevada, engineers in Northern Nevada are leading in creating a clean energy supply chain and every day bright minds are building the future of our state – rooted in our rich Battle Born history of creativity.

But what I’m thinking about most today is what makes our state truly special: you and your families. Nevadans are Battle Born. And through more than a century and a half of obstacles few other states could even envision, Nevadans have done more than survive – we have thrived in ways outsiders though impossible. No matter the challenge or circumstance, we have reskilled, reimaged, and reemerged better than ever. For Nevada and Nevadans have faced and won many battles and we continue to overcome long odds. No challenge has been or will be bigger than us.

On this 158th Nevada Day, let us celebrate both our past and our future. Let us honor what we have done and who we are as Nevadans. And let us add our recent triumphs to even the most distinguished and heroic moments in Nevada’s history. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Governor of this great state.

Sincerely,
Governor Steve Sisolak
State of Nevada