Nevada COVID-19 Task Force Kicks Off Spectacular Statewide Parade in Las Vegas

A spectacle like only the city of Las Vegas can deliver began today with star-studded performances around the area designed to inspire the community to download and adopt the COVID Trace contact tracing app. The innovative tool offered free of charge provides important contact information without compromising privacy.

The state’s Covid-19 Task Force and Nevada Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Experience Strategy Solutions and E+ Productions to bring together entertainers from up and down The Strip for the launch of the multi-city parade that will make its way next to Reno and Carson City to conclude with an Oct. 30 Nevada Day celebration. 

The morning began at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign where, after remarks from Jim Murren, Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, performers emerged from parked cars and trucks, dancing and singing to an original version of We are Family in both English and Spanish. Celebrities, including Piff the Magic Dragon, Chippendales dancers, Las Vegas team mascots Chance, Bucket$, Aviator and Spruce, veteran reporter John Katsilometes and more, all donned protective masks and joined the extravaganza, creating a dazzling and inspirational sight. 

The troupe then joined a parade of local business trucks, a Miracle Flights Ambulance, an RTC double decker bus and more–emblazoned with information about the app and how to download–to make their way throughout the city. T-Mobile Arena, Caesars Palace, local grocery stores and health clubs in Las Vegas and Henderson are all being treated with special surprise shows. The group made a unique stop at the currently dark Smith Center for a performance in front of the cherished local venue to send the message that the sooner we stop COVID, the sooner we can light up the stages once again. 

One final performance will be held on the field of Allegiant Stadium, the first time a group other than the Las Vegas Raiders has touched the field, followed by a flyover from the Mercy Air Trauma Helicopter, a touching nod to those working on the front lines of the pandemic, will conclude the spectacular day. 

“By collaborating with the local entertainment community, we’re helping to spread the message about this vital app in the most Vegas way possible,” said event producer Greg Chase, CEO of Experience Strategy Associates. “We hope Nevada residents and visitors not only learn about the importance of the COVID Trace app but know tools like this help them get the chance to enjoy a much-needed Vegas show sooner than later.” 

The group will make their way up to Reno and Carson City for electrifying performances around the area on November 30 that will end at the Governor’s Mansion with remarks from Nevada State Governor Steve Sisolak, in celebration of Nevada Day. 

 Special Thanks to the Parade & Performance Participants and Partners:

• Greg Chase – CEO & Founder, Experience Strategy Associates, Event Co-Producer
• Douglas Johnson – President & Executive Producer, Entertainment Plus Productions, Event Co-Producer
• Piff the Magic Dragon 
• Chippendales Dancers Ryan Worley and Ryan Kelsey  
• COVID-19 Task Force 
• Local Las Vegas Entertainers, Showgirls, Impersonators, Singers & More 
• Chance – Vegas Golden Knights Mascot
• Bucket$ – Las Vegas Aces Mascot 
• Aviator and Spruce – Las Vegas Aviators Mascots 
• John Katsilometes – Las Vegas Review-Journal
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department 
• Clark County 
• MGM Resorts International 
• Caesars Entertainment 
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Vegas Golden Knights
• T-Mobile Arena   
• Smith’s Food & Drug 
• Walmart 
• Mariana’s SuperMarkets   
• Life Time Fitness 
• The Smith Center
• Las Vegas Athletic Club  
• Harley Davidson Las Vegas 
• Presidential Limo 
• Mercy Air
• Miracle Flights 
• Screaming Images 
• Nixon-Egli Equipment Company 
• Kre8 Media 
• RTC of Southern Nevada