The Fall Fair Parade in Pahrump, Nevada

When it comes to small town fun, nothing beats a good, old fashioned parade.  Whether it's the thrill of watching on television, or lining the streets and watching in person, a parade is fun for the whole family.  The only thing more fun is being a part of the action, marching along as part of a group, entered in the parade, which I loved to do as a younger person, whether in a baton class, high school marching band, or homecoming float, during my college years.

Pahrump, Nevada, is a rural town, about an hour's drive from Las Vegas, and though there isn't an elaborate parade route, simple is good, as it enables young and old to join the march, and all to see.  One of the highlights of the annual Pahrump Fair and Festival, the parade is the place to be the last Saturday of September!

The parade route is nice and simple, and that makes it easy on spectators. Participants assemble at Ian Deutsch Memorial Park in the wee hours for judging, and other detail. The parade gets under way at 9:00 AM, near the Napa Auto Parts store on Highway 160 and Dandelion. From there, it's a straight shot to Boot Hill and 160. In driving time, perhaps 5 minutes if the lights are green. In parade time, it takes about 2 hours for all entries to move through the entire route, but this will vary based on the number of entrants. In a big campaign year, there may be an extra number of candidates participating.

Because the route is straight through the main business area of town, there are many great vantage points.  Depending on your needs and goals, you can position yourself accordingly.  For example, those with RV's will find many places between Highway 372 and Basin Avenue, where their rig can be parked off the road, with plenty of room the set up camp chairs and shade awnings. 

For those with small children, there are a couple of considerations.  First, proximity to bathrooms, which is best accomodated near one of the shopping areas:  Smith's, WalMart, and Albertsons all have restrooms, as do food establishments in these areas.  Further, the food and shopping makes it easy to accomodate any unexpected hunger pangs!  Closer to the beginning of the parade route, children are more likely to enjoy candies being handed out, whereas supplies run short at the end of the route. 

Occasionally, local stores will hand out water bottles along the route, an amazing consideration, given the tough effects of the Nevada sunshine.

You will get a simple glimpse of simple life, as the Pahrump schools and youth organizations march.  Creativity in expressing the year's theme is rewarded with trophies. 

Philanthropic organizations also participate, and the Shriners, Red Hat Clubs, and others number themselves among the entries. 

Political candidates are usually sure to make an appearance, and the sheriff, Tony Demeo, has walked the entire parade route the last few years, whether or not there's an election coming.  It will be most interesting this year to see if the candidates for senate will make appearances. 

Get a great taste of the Western influences, with the Pahrump Gunfighters, and lots of horses, as well.

See the Tower 1 Fire truck, now part of local service, which was in service during both World Trade Center attacks.

Be early if you want the best vantage points and parking. For those with small children, it's nice to find your parking at the fair site, Petrack Park, and to watch from the street in front of the park.

If you are running late, the highway will be blocked, and you will need to find some back roads to get to a good viewing point...try Pahrump Valley Blvd., in a pinch!  From Highway 160, head West on Gamebird, and then North on Pahrump Valley Blvd. and over to Highway 372.