Clark County residents and tourists will soon have the chance to visit their favorite "stars" as they stroll along the Strip. Recently, the Motion Picture Hall of Fame Foundation launched the "Las Vegas Walk of Stars" featuring its first inductee, "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton.

Newton was joined by hundreds of people, including his family and friends, to see the unveiling of his commemorative star. Newton's fan club members from several states were also on hand to celebrate Newton's extraordinary career achievements, which have included stage, film and TV work - most recently, the upcoming E! reality TV series "The Entertainer." And, last month, Newton returned from a USO Tour in Iraq where he performed for troops.

Clark County worked in cooperation with Robert Alexander, chairman of the Motion Picture Hall of Fame Foundation, to sanction four miles of sidewalk to the east and west of Las Vegas Blvd. South between Sahara Ave. and Russell Rd. for the Las Vegas Walk of Stars project. Similar to the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," which is located along the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, Calif., the Las Vegas project will honor people of prominence in a variety of fields including entertainment, sports, literary, humanitarian, civic and military.

Each star will be a three-foot square slab of polished granite weighing 350 pounds and inlayed with the recipient's name and specialty. Other names that have been mentioned for the honor have included the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, Siegfried and Roy and Liberace. A committee assembled by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars organization will accept nominations and as many as 3,000 stars could eventually be installed.

Newton's star has been officially installed in front of the New Frontier Hotel, as this was his home base for many years.

"The County Commission is excited to be part of something unique and unprecedented on the Las Vegas Strip," said Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams. "As most people know, I'm no stranger to the entertainment industry. My dear brother, Mel Torme, was one of many celebrities who contributed significantly to the outstanding success and notoriety of Southern Nevada. The Board is thrilled that millions of visitors who walk the Strip each year will see the names of people who have truly made a difference to our valley."

At the dedication ceremony, Commissioner Williams presented Newton with a proclamation declaring October 26, 2004 "Wayne Newton Day" in Clark County.