Mesquite, Nev. » While this region of the West has seen several settlement incarnations throughout the last 150 years, the growing community of Mesquite, along Interstate 15 between St. George and Las Vegas, has officially been an incorporated city for only 25 years.
And Mesquite is using the occasion for a month-long celebration that begins this weekend and runs through May. It includes a carnival, historic tours, fireworks, parades, softball and golf tournaments, shooting competitions, cultural events and a special Armed Forces Day Weekend.
"Mesquite's 25th anniversary is an exciting and momentous occasion," said Mayor Susan Holecheck. "We have an exceptional story to share with both locals and visitors. Now is a great time to experience the vitality of Mesquite's big-city amenities, coupled with our rich history and small-town atmosphere."
Nick Montoya, the recreation and parks supervisor for Mesquite, said the celebration's theme, "Persistence to Prosperity," reflects the town's story. The event is looks back on the area's past and forward to the future of the tourist town and retirement community that has grown to almost 19,000 residents in recent years.
"We like it the way it is but we see the growth coming," said Montoya. "We are a progressive city and we are expounding on all those things making us better."
Mesquite's history is actually tied closely to two prominent Utah families, the Leavitts and the Huntsmans, who were among the first settlers. Those names appear on many headstones at the Bunkerville cemetery about three miles from Mesquite in the Virgin Valley.
According to the Mesquite City Web site, what is now the town along the Virgin River was located near the Old Spanish Trail and Mormon Road.
A small group of Mormon pioneers settled the area in 1880, calling it Mesquite Flats, but they quit the place after their network of irrigation canals was destroyed by flash floods. The Dudley Leavitt family, which included five wives and 39 children, came back in 1887 in an effort to again settle the area but gave up after four difficult years.
The town was finally settled for good in 1894 when six families from Bunkerville rebuilt the irrigation canal and other folks started to move in, growing raisins as the main cash crop.
The biggest change in the modern era came in the 1970s, when Interstate 15 was completed, bringing more people into the town near Utah and on the Arizona border.
When Si Redd opened the Peppermill Resort and Casino (which would become the now-closed Oasis) in 1981, the town became a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors looking for a quiet alternative to Las Vegas.
Other casinos were built along with golf courses, recreation facilities, spas and planned condominium developments as the town took advantage of its warm winters to become a retirement community.
Yet, despite the building boom, a number of historical buildings remain standing in the town, a fact that will be celebrated with wagon drawn historic tours on May 23.
"Mesquite gives visitors a momentary escape from their everyday world," said Holecheck. "It's quieter and more intimate than Las Vegas. In just a short drive you can enjoy Vegas-style gaming, world class spas, fine dining and luxury golf within a beautiful natural setting that is rich in history."
A carnival kicks off the celebration Thursday through Sunday. As part of the celebration, Mesquite is giving away 25 free travel packages. To enter that contest or for more information on the area, log on to www.VisitMesquite.com or call 702-346-8732.
Other events include:
April 30-May 2 » 25th anniversary poker tournament, Virgin River Casino.
May 2 » Mesquite Days parade, Sun City Mesquite meet and greet BBQ.
May 5 » Cinco De Mayo celebration, South Yucca Street
May 8-9 » Family softball tournament.
May 15 » Veteran's Golf Classic, bunco tournament
May 16 » Virgin River Armed Forces Gun Club shoot; Armed Forces scramble golf tournament, Armed Forces Day reception, fireworks.
May 23 » Historical tour
May 25-29 » Mesquite Amateur Golf Tournaments
