Q:
We were in Vegas 05/08-05/17. We were downtown on, I think, Wednesday afternoon, and the downtown area was partitioned off for Southwest Airlines. What was the celebration all about?? Noone seemed to be able to answer my question... Thanks for your help!


A:
Twice a year, Southwest Airlines invites all 32,000+ employees to eat, drink, and party at a city serviced by the airline. This year, the Fremont Street Experience was the chosen venue for the spring Spirit Party for the second year in succession, which took place May 12. It's the third time Vegas has hosted a Spirit Party and Fremont Street was closed off to the public and only those with the blue Southwest wristbands were admitted. Apparently, over 10,000 revelers showed up to the party, which included a costume contest and performance by Jefferson Starship. You can view a slideshow of photos on the R-J's site.

I wonder how they could restrict Fremont Street access to visitors and us peons that stay in a casino there.
Maybe money does talk ?

I would have been really pissed off if I was downtown and couldn't be out under the canopy.