Downtown Vegas preeminence over the Strip ended in the 1950s, and many visitors to Sin City have no idea it exists. It is famous for its annual New Year's Eve Party--the only night of the year when admission is charged to enjoy the Fremont Street Experience.
The most noticeable attraction of the FSE is its lighted barrel vault canopy. Fremont was closed to vehicle traffic in the 1990s. Not much to look at? Well, at 10am in the morning, that's true. But....
The light show on the canopy on December 16 at 7:00pm looked this way. There are live bands, many of them tribute acts, performing every night at the FSE.
Fremont Street is named for John C. Frémont, an explorer, Civil War general, and the first presidential nominee for the Republican Party.
Up until the 1990s, Fremont Street, not the Strip, was used in most movies and television shows when depicting Las Vegas. This part of downtown was known as "Glitter Gulch."
What was I saying about Glitter Gulch?
"Vegas Vic" used to stand above the since-demolished Pioneer Club hotel. He keeps watch over a souvenir shop now.
Fremont Street, not like two weeks ago, will be jam-packed on New Year's Eve. Besides music, FSE offers zip-line rides.
Just outside of the Fremont Street Experience is the Neon Museum. "Andy Anderson" used to draw customers into a Las Vegas Boulevard dairy.
The Hacienda Horse and Rider used to grace the defunct Hacienda Hotel on the Strip.
One more look at the FSE canopy. Perhaps Baby New Year has taken St. Nick's place by now.
Happy New Year to you!
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