814 Victorian Ave. Sparks, NV 89431

Last Chance Joe

LAST CHANCE JOE RESTORATION PROJECT ENTERS FINAL STAGE
SPARKS, NV, May 15, 2018–

The Sparks Heritage Museum is pleased to announce that the Last Chance Joe restoration project has entered its final stage. After years of tireless effort, combined with the generosity from the community, Last Chance Joe is getting his patch work and a fresh coat
of paint. The completion of this restoration project will preserve “Last Chance Joe” for future generations at his new home in front of the Sparks Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.
“We are so pleased that the Last Chance Joe restoration project is almost finished, and we
cannot thank all of our donors, volunteers and the community enough for all of the incredible support of the museum and this project over the past 4 years. The museum looks forward to unveiling Last Chance Joe this summer and celebrating with everyone who helped save this important Sparks landmark.” Barbara Young, Sparks Heritage Museum Board of Trustees President.
The final restoration work on Last Chance Joe is now underway and work is expected to be
wrapped up by the end of the month. The public is advised that the Sparks Heritage Museum will be open during its regular hours while the restoration work takes place. Crews from Crown Panting Inc. will be conducting painting and fabricating work on Last Chance Joe. Crown Painting Inc. has provided a significant reduced rate for their services to the Sparks Heritage Museum. For more information about Crown Painting Inc. please visit their website, www.crownpaintinginc.com.

The Last Chance Joe restoration project began in 2014 when the figure was moved from its
previous home of 57 years in front of the Nugget to the Sparks Heritage Museum. The 32-foot tall figure was built in 1957 with a structural steel internal frame, which was then covered in chicken wire and paper-mache to build out the various features. Thanks to the efforts of many supporters throughout the community, Last Chance Joe will be fully restored and receive a coating of a high-impact, weatherproof shell material. The restoration work will improve the structure’s durability and help preserve this Sparks landmark for many years to come. For more information about the history of Last Chance Joe and the restoration project, please visit
www.sparksmuseum.org/exhibits/last-chance-joe/.

In December 2017, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing, Heritage of Sparks license plates for sale to all drivers across Nevada. This special license plate features an image of Last Chance Joe in his original coloration. Proceeds from the Heritage of Sparks license plate will benefit the Sparks Heritage Foundation and Museum Inc. and help to ensure the longevity of the museum.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Tandy Gach, Museum
Manager at 775-355-1144 or email at tandy@sparksmuseum.org.