The grizzled old miner depicted on “Welcome to Nevada” signs at the state’s borders will retire in 2017 after roughly 25 years of service. And there’s a way you can welcome him into your home via a free raffle.

A welcome to Nevada sign. (Screengrab/Travel Nevada)

The grizzled old miner depicted on “Welcome to Nevada” signs at the state’s borders will retire in 2017 after roughly 25 years of service. And there’s a way you can welcome him into your home.

The Nevada Transportation Department is holding a free raffle, allowing residents a chance to get one of the four iconic — but obsolete — highway signs depicting the pick ax-wielding prospector staring off into the sunset.

Just before the Nevada Day (Oct. 28-30) holiday weekend, a winner will be randomly selected from each region across the state: northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast, department officials said.

“The existing signs that have stood on Nevada roadways for many years are a source of pride and state identity for Nevadans, which is why we wanted to share them and offer a chance for people to bring a bit of state history home,” NDOT communications director Sean Sever said.

The raffle comes as state officials prepare to post a series of new road signs to promote the state’s brand of “A World Within, A State Apart.” The new signs were designed by graphic arts students from high schools statewide who entered a contest sponsored by the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, NDOT and the state Department of Education.

Only one raffle entry is allowed per resident until 5 p.m. Oct. 21, and you must be willing to sign a waiver stating you won’t do anything illegal with the sign.

Enter the raffle by calling 775-888-7000 or visiting nevadadot.com. Entries can also be made by sending a direct message through NDOT’s social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact Art Marroquin at amarroquin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0336. Find @AMarroquin_LV on Twitter.