The Las Vegas Stories. Mary Anthony

Two milestone moments occurred in the spring of 2022 – March 3, marked 50 years since I saw David Cassidy in concert. Little is written about that 1972 concert in San Antonio and I feel it’s because it occurred days before two of David’s most famous concerts at the Astrodome and Madison Square Garden. And on April 12, I was fortunate to be among the fans who came from across the U.S. and from around the globe to celebrate David receiving his Star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.

I decided early on I would attend, and even though the lingering pandemic was still a concern, I knew I just had to be there. In Jan, I began sewing tiny beads, hearts and stars, one-by-one, on two of the event T-shirts I purchased, as a way to personalize them and my way to honor David. 

And as I counted down the months and weeks, it was exciting learning about event details on the David Cassidy’s Official Las Vegas Walk of Stars 2022 Facebook page and as the date drew closer, anticipation and excitement continued to grow. 

First order of business after arriving in Vegas? Go search for the Star, of course! Noteworthy is this inscription on the bottom of the Star, Sponsored by Fans Worldwide.

We began the series of events with the Fan Meet and Greet Night on Sunday, April 10. It was a magical evening filled with singing, dancing and talking about our love for David. While some already knew each other, many were meeting IRL for the first time but we already felt a connection, a strong bond. We also did our best contributing to the silent auction benefiting the I Think I Love Animal Foundation.

I loved every minute of Monday’s optional bus tour. We traveled to Las Vegas stops significant to David’s life and career including The Little Church of the West, his former residence and the Vegas hotels where he performed. The close-knit group of 45 shared stories about David, sang, laughed and answered trivia questions. (I won a red partridge!)

April 12 was a beautiful sunny day for the main event. We met at the Star for photos and sang Happy Birthday to David before gathering in Bally’s Jubilee Ballroom to listen to moving speeches by David’s closest friends, their stories bringing us to tears. The evening concluded with a lovely dinner complete with birthday cake. We all felt David’s presence in many ways.

As many have mentioned, we continue to relive and process all that occurred while we were in Vegas.

When I returned to the office, one of my young co-workers asked me about the trip. He was fascinated learning about what we did for David and asked what was the most significant thing about the experience…it’s obviously the connection we have with each other. David brought us together and we will continue his legacy by sharing his message of love, light and kindness. As one of my new DC friends best summed it up, “What happens in Vegas, stays in the heart.”

Thank you Weronika for allowing me to share my recollections.

Sending all of you a big hug,

Mary