A beloved Owatonna icon now has his own official day in the state he made his new home.
Nevada Governor Lombardo’s proclamation of Don Laughlin Day on August 2.
Don Laughlin, Owatonna born and founder of the town Laughlin, Nevada, died in October at the age of 92. Though he moved away from Steele County in 1952, he made many journeys back to his hometown of Owatonna, especially during the Steele County Free Fair.
Laughlin was a hard-working businessman, who also believed in supporting his local community with generous contributions and loved watching his neighbors grow. He completely funded the construction of the Laughlin Bridge connecting Nevada to Arizona, a savior for all local residents. Laughlin donated land plus funded the planning and flood control for the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport; thus starting an Air Program service for his Mid-West community and stretching air service to other parts of our nation. Laughlin completely funded and maintained Fisherman’s Access State Park and boat launch, open to the public with zero fees.
Understanding the importance of tourism, Laughlin donated the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce building and held an active role in Riverside Resort’s continued donations of more than $100,000 per year to hundreds of non-profit and charitable organizations.
Today, the town of Laughlin, Nevada, encompasses eight casino resorts. Don Laughlin’s impact in this corner of our nation will be felt by hundreds of thousands for many more decades to come.
“I am proud to proclaim August 2nd as Don Laughlin Day in Nevada, celebrating a visionary whose contributions have indelibly shaped our state,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Don Laughlin’s pioneering spirit transformed a small town into a thriving community and entertainment hub. We honor his remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy he has created for Nevada.”
In honor of Don Laughlin Day, Lt. Governor’s office Chief of Staff, Rudy Pamintuan, and Director of Small Business Advocacy, Sarah Johnson, will join in celebration presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Matt Laughlin, Riverside Resort COO and grandson of Don Laughlin, signed by our Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, as well as presenting Nevada Governor Lombardo’s Don Laughlin Day Proclamation.
This Aug. 2 also marks Riverside Resort’s 58th Anniversary. Laughlin opened the Riverside Resort back in August 2, 1966, with eight motel rooms, 12 slot machines, two table games and “all-you-can-eat” chicken dinners for 98 cents. Currently, the Riverside Resort hosts 1,350 hotel rooms, 1,000 slot machines, 23 table games, a poker room, a bingo hall, a 34-lane bowling center, 6-Plex Movie Theater, six restaurants, an indoor 660 seat showroom, a salon & day spa, laser tag, two classic car museums, one adult pool and bar, one family pool, one nightclub, one karaoke dance hall, U.S.S. Riverside boat cruise and over 1300 employees; some who have worked for Laughlin and the Riverside Resort for over 40 years.
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