The old-fashioned bake-off prize was won by Blair and Jacqueline Warren Adams for the best depiction of “All things Mesquite” in honor of Mesquite’s 35 anniversary. Photo by Jacqueline Warren Adams

Bouncy houses, bull riding and mud pits were all a popular part of Family Fun Night, the kick off to the Mesquite Days celebration that lasted all weekend long. The “Old Fashioned Family Fun Night” began several years ago as the kick off to the Mesquite Days ‘Founding’ celebration held annually during the first week of May; and this year was better than ever.
The night’s festivities contain what the name implies, simple ‘Old Fashioned’ games food and entertainment.
Mesquite Fire and Rescue workers cooked up burgers and hot dogs and the Senior Nutrition program supplied all the ‘fixins’ for a good old-fashioned barbecue.
A dunk tank, police vehicles and Tug-O-War were as popular as ever and entertainment was provided by local dancers and musicians. Vendors also lined the sidewalk handing out information on their organization, soliciting new business or selling their wares. Most offered free gifts for visitors who stopped by their booths.
Yes, this year was the best by far and on May 1, the Old Mill Ball Fields were full of families and individuals having exactly what they came to have; fun.
Friday’s festivities included the annual bake-off. The old-fashioned bake-off First Prize was won by Blair and Jacqueline Warren Adams for the best depiction of “All Things Mesquite” in honor of Mesquite’s 35 anniversary.
Those looking forward to seeing Mayor Al Litman at the Mayor’s Breakfast Saturday morning resulted in disappointment as he was traveling through Southeast Asia this year and having a grand time. His absence didn’t seem to hinder the participation or mood; many people, including the 2019 Ms. Senior Mesquite’s First and Second Runners Up, Diana McKinney and Julie Hoffman showed up to enjoy the annual breakfast sponsored by the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce with smiles. Bellies were filled just in time for the parade.
Highlights of the parade included the leaders of each year’s parade, the Virgin Valley Veterans Honor Guard, followed by dozens of other groups, businesses and individuals.
Be Brave Athletes flipped and flopped down the paved road while the crowd watched in total awe. The Mesquite Toes, Showgirls and Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant winners participated with other non-profits. Some serious business advertised with humorous giant teeth and eyeballs and civic organizations along with Clark County Fire and Rescue marched down the road passing out pinwheels, candy and other goodies. Boulevard Furnishings gave away a van full of portable lawn chairs while the crowd watched as clubs and groups showed off their off-road vehicles. As always, the Mesquite Police and Fire and Rescue brought up the rear of the parade with horns and sirens blowing signaling the end of the parade and on to other fun activities like the carnival.
Saturday seemed to be the day everyone chose to attend the carnival. Vendors were happy with a record turnout number of people from Las Vegas to St. George. The weather was perfect for a day full of fun, riding rides and playing games. Sunday brought the weekend’s festivities to an end, carnival crowds weren’t nearly as large but on the upside, those who attended got some great deals from the vendors and riders/gamers got their money’s worth on an all-day pass when they were able to ride and play for hours with no wait.

Ace Hardware held their community BBQ competition on Saturday, May 4 with Joseph Heflin also known as “Chef Hef” who judged the entries based on taste, presentation and texture. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

 

 

Ace Hardware also held their community barbecue competition on Saturday with Joseph Heflin also known as “Chef Hef”. Chef Hef lives in Las Vegas. Judging was based on taste, presentation and texture. Chef Hef graduated from the Baltimore Culinary Arts College. His culinary training began in the military where he traveled to Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East learning about different cuisines along the way. Chef Hef has worked at the prestigious Park Hotel in County Cavan, Ireland with the famous Master Chef, Peter Timmins. While judging the BBQ, Chef Hef was able to promote his new book on Plank Cooking. You can learn more about Chef Hef at ChefHef@TheGrillWiz.com.