While Wendover’s casino lights shine like a beacon from across the Bonneville Salt Flats, the most unexpected luminescence comes from eight small bulbs lit just for one week in December.
“I was really amazed when I saw them.” said one traveler, “Who expects to see a menorah in a small town in Nevada?”
westernWhile any number of large cities across the west boast a Hanukkah Menorah, finding one shining in a city with a population of less than 5,000 is not only rare it is unheard of, that is with the exception of West Wendover.
In a survey of 10 Nevada and Utah cities with comparable or greater populations, none besides West Wendover could make a similar boast.
The menorah was added to the city’s holiday decorations in 1995, joining a secular Santa Claus and a Classic Christian Nativity Scene.
“The message we intend to give is that of our motto– Come Grow with Us.” said then Mayor Walt Sanders. “We want to be an all welcoming all inclusive community.”
While the city’s motto has since changed to Waiting with Open Arms– the menorah commemorating the successful Jewish revolt against the Syrian Greeks still stands. Lasting eight days the festival begins on December 6th and ends on December 14th.
“As the Holiday season approaches we have an opportunity to worship how, where, and what we feel is important and dear to our hearts. The community members in Wendover offer a variety of different beliefs, traditions, and opinions. I would hope this holiday season we can all share this one – The holidays bring us new opportunities to renew and strengthen relationships to those we hold dear.” said Mayor Emily Carter. “As Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday and the first light of the Menorah is lit, may we all experience the same miracle that happened ages ago with a rededication ceremony of a temple. During that rededication there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one night, but miraculously it stayed lit for 8 days. Holidays are not meant to be remembered just once a year. May we carry the holiday spirit, not just through the 8 days of Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza, but throughout this upcoming New Year.”