In deference to the heat we've been experiencing, let's start off with some cool news -- in every sense. The Tropicana is introducing a new pool party concept that it's calling "Wet". Suitable name, doncha think? Here's what's doing to happen once they kick it off this Saturday. First of all, it's not restricted to guests -- everyone's invited and it's free. Thought that might get your interest.
A live band will perform every Saturday night from the island area in the pool and a disc jockey will keep you partying throughout the night. And what's a party without a few drinks, so you'll be happy to hear they will be serving 50-cent draft beer, as well as some yummy food. And if you just can't wash away that gambling bug in the pool, remember, the swim-up blackjack table will be open for business during the party.
And here's big news for all you gals -- you're invited to enter a winner-takes-all $1,000 cash prize bikini contest. This should be a fun time and it all starts at 6 p.m. every Saturday night through Sept. 2. Last one in the pool takes their top off!
HOOT & HOLLER
A week later, right behind the Trop, at Hooters, our newest hotel is hosting a a four-part Las Vegas regional swimsuit competition. The top three Hooters Girls from the series will be entered as the Las Vegas candidates to compete with girls from around the globe for a $50,000 prize at the 10th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant, which takes place in Las Vegas this summer.
The competition kicks off June 3 at 7 p.m. at Hooters at 5675 W. Sahara Ave. The second swimsuit contest is June 10 at 6 p.m. at Hooters of Sunset in Club Madrid. The third on June 17 at 7 p.m., takes place poolside at Hooters Casino Hotel. From each of these three contests, five women will be chosen to compete in the finals, an invitation-only event at "13" Martini Bar within Hooters Casino on June 24 at 7 p.m. From the 15 candidates competing in the finals, three Hooters Girls will qualify to compete on behalf of Las Vegas in the International Swimsuit Pageant on July 25.
The pageant showcases the semi-finalists in evening gowns and swimsuits, and offers a first place prize valued at $50,000. The winner of the pageant also serves as the company's spokesperson for the year. If you'd like to get in on the action, you must be currently employed as a Hooters Girl at either a restaurant or at Hooters Casino Hotel. Everyone's welcome to attend the events and dare I say it -- hoot as hard as you can.
CELEBRATE AMERICA
Here's an item I came across which I support -- and hope you will as well. The "14th Annual Celebrate America" at Hills Park Summerlin, (9100 Hillpoint Rd.) will take place Monday, May 29 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. In case you don't know, Celebrate America is designed to honor those veterans who fought and continue to fight for our freedom. This family event will feature "The Wall of Honor Memorial", a giant big screen video presentation to honor our veterans, pony rides, bounce houses, water slides, survivor challenge, live bands, entertainer/comedian Carlos Oscar, Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard, an address by Sen. John Ensign and a fireworks spectacular.
You can get tickets ($5 per person) at the gate between 3-7 p.m. This is a great event for Las Vegas valley families and a time to say thank you to the men and women of our Armed Forces who sacrifice daily for our freedom. I hope you will take some time to attend. They need our support more than ever.
POKER AT TI
The poker craze continues which hasn't been lost on the good folks at TI. Don't know about you, but I still refer to it, like many others, as Treasure Island. I think it's because when you say TI, people will wonder what you're talking about. Okay, so I digressed. Nobody's forcing you to read this column, unless somehow my mother got your name and is paying you.
Anyway, TI has added a very nice, relaxed, comfortable, non-smoking poker room to its amenities, featuring eight tables for all the action. There are also eight LCD plasma screens lining the room that show the latest sporting events and upbeat music plays throughout the room. And here's the good part. It offers players the chance to play in a "$50,000 Freeze-Out Challenge." The Challenge allows players to compete against World Series of Poker Champion Johnny Chan and/or World Poker Tour Champion Ming Ly in a head's-up No Limit Hold 'em contest. The poker room also hosts daily Sit 'n Go events -- tournaments where 10 players pay an entry fee of $50 and play until a winner is crowned. The winner gets 50 percent of the pot, second place wins 30 percent and the third place finisher earns 20 percent. Sounds like a winner.
PAIUTE POW-WOW
If you've ever wondered about the North American Indian culture, do not miss the 18th Annual Snow Mountain Pow-Wow May 26 thru 28 hosted by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. The event features dancers in colorful traditional dress, artisans, and singers from across the United States and Canada. The first grand entry will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 26. On Saturday, May 27, there will be two sessions, the first at Noon and second at 7 p.m. In between Saturday's sessions there will be a traditional bird singing & dance exhibition from tribes of Southern California and the Colorado River area. On Sunday, the grand entry will be at Noon. The pow-wow is scheduled until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and will end Sunday at 4 p.m.
You'll be able to find some unique items as artisans and crafters will have booths with jewelry, pottery, flutes, traditional Indian music, and baskets available for purchase. Food items include fried bread served with honey, and Indian Tacos. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children ages 10 and under have free admission. The price for a weekend pass is $10 Parking is free.
The Las Vegas Paiute Snow Mountain Indian Reservation is approximately 20 miles north of Las Vegas via US 95 North and Exit 95 to Snow Mountain. For additional information, call the pow-wow Hotline: (702) 395-1790 or toll free at (800) 711-2833 extension 1790.
ART OF MAX
If you love art and are a fan of Peter Max, The Art of Peter Max Gallery in the Forum Shops is where you'll want to be this weekend. That's when the artist will host a public exhibition there from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 27 and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Both events are open to the public so you don't have to worry that security will hustle you out the door.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
