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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Iconic Sign Is Fabulous Indeed

Nearly 50 years later, designer discusses her creation

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(Newser) – It's been nearly a half-century since the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign went up on the Strip, and Betty Willis is still as sharp as she was when she designed it, Las Vegas Weekly reports. Willis created the neon design back when the Strip still intersected dirt roads, but she never doubted "fabulous" was the best word for her hometown.

 Some facts about the classic sign:

  • Willis never trademarked her design
  • The silver dollars that spell "Welcome" were intended to make the sign look lucky
  • The starburst on top is a tribute to Disneyland
  • The Goodyear logo inspired the sign's shape

The sign has long welcomed gamblers.
The sign has long welcomed gamblers.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
A vintage sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, the neon capital of the world.
A vintage sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, the neon capital of the world.   (KRT Photos)
Wedding photographer Sergio Lopez takes pictures of newlyweds Joseph and Joyce Buangan with the Welcome to Las Vegas sign in the background Saturday, July 7, 2007.
Wedding photographer Sergio Lopez takes pictures of newlyweds Joseph and Joyce Buangan with the Welcome to Las Vegas sign in the background Saturday, July 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
A couple photographs each other at the Las Vegas welcome sign in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.
A couple photographs each other at the Las Vegas welcome sign in Las Vegas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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