NationalGeographicPersonalExplorer

The most widely recognized symbol and unofficial mascot of Las Vegas is Vegas Vic, a 40-foot-tall neon cowboy. Installed in 1951, he welcomed visitors to the Pioneer Club until it closed its doors as a casino in 1995 and reopened as a large souvenir shop. Vic had a moveable, waving arm and greeted visitors with a “Howdy Pardner” every 15 minutes. According to the story, Vic went mute in 1966, when actor Lee Marvin, who was staying at the Mint Hotel across the street while filming The Professionals, complained that Vic’s greeting was too loud. In the 1990s, he stopped waving too, and part of his hat was cut off to make room for the Sky Parade canopy. But the last few decades haven’t all been hard times for Vic. Also during the 1994 Fremont Street Experience construction, Vic and the girl next door were married by a local minister. The neon cowgirl, known as both Sassy Sally and Vegas Vicky, sits atop the Glitter Gulch Topless Club. She was designed to kick her leg out over the street, but has never managed to do it.