Vegas Vic, the 40-foot-high neon cowboy that towers over Fremont
Street, is the world's largest mechanical neon sign. And quite
possibly the most famous face in Vegas history. Erected in 1951,
Vic originally greeted customers to the now-defunct Pioneer Club
with a booming "Howdy Partner".
In 1966, while filming "The Professionals", actors Lee Marvin and
Woody Strode stayed at the Mint hotel on Fremont Street. During
their stay, they complained about Vic's booming voice, claiming it
disturbed their sleep. The neon icon's voice box was promptly
removed and he has remained silent for over twenty years, until a
recent refurbishment.
It's been said, the concept for Vegas Vic has it's origins in a
post-WWII advertising campaign promoting Las Vegas. The
campaign featured an illustration of a smiling cowboy which was
used as a model for the neon Vic.
Vegas Vic even has a neon sweetheart, Vegas Vicky, the 20-year-old
"glittering gal" that sits atop the Glitter Gulch topless club across
the street.
