This Is Why Vegas Properties Are Going Blue Today

Driving around the Las Vegas Strip on January 9 will have many people wondering why they're seeing so much blue. There's a reason. Many local properties in the Las Vegas valley are participating in a very special day.

It is listed on the National Day Calendar and celebrated throughout the United States. As a day to honor those who protect and serve as part of their daily lives. And in honor of the day, our local Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has orchestrated a blue takeover of the Las Vegas Strip.

Twice on Tuesday, January 9, businesses all over the Las Vegas Valley are going blue for 5 minutes. First from 9:00 - 9:05a.m. And then again from 6:00 - 6:05p.m. During these times, participating businesses, strip resorts and other properties will be participating. They will do this by displaying the color blue and notes of appreciation for our local law enforcement. There will also be a special display at Fremont Street Experience from 6:10 – 6:50p.m. The community is invited to gather under the canopy at Third Street Stage at that time.

Participating resorts include Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas, Park MGM Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and many more. Including the newest resort, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Many off-strip properties will also show their appreciation on this day. Including Durango Resort, Red Rock Casino, Las Vegas City Hall, Suncoast Hotel, Southpoint Hotel and many more.

The community can also show their support today, and year round, by donating to the LVMPD Foundation. The nonprofit organization works year-round to strengthen the relationship between LVMPD officers and Southern Nevada residents. They do this with programs and initiatives like National Night Out and the Good Ticket program. The community can say thank you to our local law enforcement and support these programs by texting LEAD2024 to 41444.

More information about the LVMPD Foundation and its programs available at lvmpdfoundation.org. Thank you, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department! We appreciate you! - Wendy Rush

Each state possesses unique features that distinguish it from others, and this extends to its state patrol vehicles. Over the past decade, the American Association of State Troopers has organized an annual competition to determine the best-looking patrol cruiser among the states.

Virtually all state police agencies participate by submitting a photo of their finest patrol vehicle in hopes of having it featured on the association's yearly calendar. The sales of this calendar contribute to the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which offers educational scholarships to dependents of troopers who are association members.

According to the association's website, the contest initially started as a friendly rivalry between the state agencies, but it has evolved into an enjoyable and positive way for community members to support and engage with law enforcement.

In the previous year, Kentucky secured the cover spot on the 2023 calendar as the winner of the contest. However, this year, the competition is fierce, and Nevada seems to be a strong contender. As of yesterday, at around 4 p.m., Nevada had taken the lead with over 104,700 votes, though Florida was close behind, trailing by only about 60 votes.

The current top 5 states in the contest are Nevada, Florida, California, Indiana, and Kentucky. To boost their chances, the Nevada State Police are actively encouraging their supporters to cast their votes through their social media channels, where they have gained substantial attention and positive feedback.

Someone commented on Facebook, "At first I liked the navy-blue vehicles but those silver/grey ones are pretty awesome and kinda blend in very well." Another person prefers the beauty of the patrol cruiser from a distance. Most of us would agree unless you enjoy the view of flashing lights from your rearview mirror.

The contest attracts a significant number of votes daily, making it a highly engaging event. Anyone can participate by casting their vote until July 31, with Survey Monkey's rules allowing only one vote per device during the contest period. You can cast your vote here.

Take a look at some of the competition below.

California Highway Patrol showcases their mesmerizing Chevy Tahoe Patrol vehicle, with their CHP Helicopter in the sky. Their photo looks like it's straight out of an action movie with the dramatics of dust blowing in the air and a helicopter whirling in the sky. As of yesterday, they are in third place with over 95,000 votes.

"We’re in it to win it and take home the three-peat! Vote for KSP to be named the best looking cruiser in the nation," says their Instgram post. Kentucky was last year's winner. As of yesterday, they're in fifth place with over 65,000 votes.

Georgia State Patrol is pushing for more votes on their social media pages. "You can't tell us Indiana State Police, Florida Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, and California Highway Patrol all have better looking patrol cars than the blue and gray!" they wrote on Instagram. They're currently sitting at sixth place with more than 52,000 votes.

Michigan State Police's photo features a Chevy Tahoe and a Bell UH-1H (Huey) helicopter. While not in the lead, their troopers are making their mark with more then 20,000 votes. To be fair, their car is up against a pretty impressive lineup. Florida has an alligator in front of their patrol cruiser.

Arizona is giving it their all, but they've got quite a way to go with just a little over 2,000 votes. But their car looks great along their mountain backdrop. After seeing some of their Instagram comments, their state is definitely rooting for a win. Who know, maybe they'll make a comeback by the deadline.

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