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The third annual “Governor's Banquet” last week was used as a sort of launch for the lead-up to the state's sesquicentennial next year. Nevada turns 150 on Oct. 31, 2014.

There were some jarring comments during the evening. A beauty queen, one of the speakers, said patriotism can be used by government “to advance its control.” Master of ceremonies Rich Crombie made reference to the “ominous presence” of the 150th anniversary of the state. One audience member wondered if he meant “auspicious.”

Crombie also described a scenic section of Storey County that has been turned into an industrial park: “Fifteen years ago, it was just sagebrush and rocks.”

A display that flashed dozens of photos on state history captioned Gov. Grant Sawyer as “Gov. Frank Sawyer” (that was his first name, which he did not use).

Michael Archer, biographer of the late Washoe County Sen. William Raggio, presented a spoken and video tribute to Raggio that was well received. A counterpoint was jocular comments during the evening about the Mustang Ranch, and the conspicuous presence of the current owner of the Ranch buildings, Lance Gilman, who spoke to the gathering during a roving microphone period. Raggio as Washoe County district attorney was a harsh critic of the Mustang Ranch and tried to shut it down more than once. An advance press release on the banquet read, “Due to the sophisticated nature of the event, the banquet is open to all persons 16 years or older only.”

Some of the proceeds from the banquet will go to the Children's Cabinet of Nevada.