It's too hot for any of my usual preamble. All I want to do is get this column written so I can go back in the pool, sip my Diet Coke with lots of ice (bet you thought I was going to say some fou-fou drink with an umbrella in it, didn't you?) watch my dog lying on his side in the shade with his tongue hanging out, and listening to Louis Armstrong tell me what a wonderful life it is.
Couple of milestones hit two of our hotels. At the Imperial Palace, Veronica Flori, and her fiancé, Charles Bray, were just entering the Imperial Theatre to see the 7:30 p.m. show of Legends in Concert when they were asked to step out of the line. Bray said at first he thought they were in trouble, but couldn't figure out how. "We didn't cut in line, so we didn't know what was going on."
Turns out the couple from Ottawa, IL (actually it was Veronica, as she entered first) was the 5 millionth showgoer to see the celebrity tribute spectacular, which is now in its 24th year. The surprised pair were escorted to their VIP table by showgirls, toasted with a bottle of Dom Perignon, and introduced to the audience from the stage by a Jay Leno impersonator, who announced to the lucky winners their gifts of a Luv Tub Getaway and $500 in cash.
When the show's finale began, Veronica and Charles were escorted onto the stage, where they received an oversized certificate marking this milestone, while being serenaded by the entire cast, led by Matt Lewis as Elvis, singing Viva Las Vegas. "We felt like we just won a jackpot," said Charles. Quite a night for the couple and one they will long remember.
And at Mandalay Bay, MAMMA MIA!, welcomed its 1.5 millionth guest. Didn't hear who it was or what they got, if anything, but quite an accomplishment for this musical hit that premiered in early 2003. It remains the longest running and most successful full-scale Broadway musical ever to play the Las Vegas Strip. And that's saying something seeing how Broadway shows have fared over the years here, especially this year, with Avenue Q, and then Hairspray, making quick exits.
GET YOUR ROLL ON
Like roller skating? Whether you do or don't you won't want to miss Roller on , the event that brings thousands of skaters and fans from all-female, grassroots roller derby leagues in the United States and Canada into town for 10 days beginning July 28. After almost disappearing from the radar scope, it has now been called the "fastest growing sport in the United States."
And it's easy to see why. Take great looking women, put them in protective gear, lace up their skates and then tell them to go out and kick ass. Who sez the fairer sex can't be just as tough as the guys? Wait 'til you see these gals in action. The event, which drew more than 500 skaters last year, is hosted by the Sin City Rollergirls of Las Vegas at the Plaza and this year promises to be bigger and better.
Here's what you can look forward to: Friday Roller Feasts: Banquet dinners both Friday evenings;.The Black n' Blue Ball: A formal costume dance on Friday, Aug. 4; Sin City Rollergirls vs Atlanta Rollergirls: Saturday, July 29; Vendor Booths: Vendors from around the country will be on hand with their cool new stuff.; Scrimmages: evening open scrimmages where rollergirls from every league can play together in pick-up games; Traditional RollerCon Scavenger Hunt: A scavenger hunt with Starting and Finishing Line party blow-outs; Bands all night every night at the Double Down Saloon on Paradise Road; Derby weddings (a tradition) hosted by an Elvis Presley impersonator both Saturday nights; reception hosted by Hogs & Heifers Saloon downtown; Nightly derby activities at the Plaza Hotel; 15-minute challenge scrimmages between cross-league teams on Fremont Street; Derby films in the lounges of the Plaza all weekend long; Pool Party: Derby mayhem in the rooftop pool of the Plaza. Should be a lot of fun and it's all free, except, I imagine, for the booze.
CANNERY OPENINGS
Dropped over to the The Cannery last week to take a look at its new race & sports book as well as the new poker room which are now open. They did a great job and I like the idea of the race and sports book being away from the casino floor. It's located just before you get to the theaters, and next to the poker room. Under construction are Vino's Italian Restaurant and Deli, (almost directly across from the sports book) and a new Bingo room. Both are skedded to open in late summer.
The new poker room offers 14 tables including low- and medium-limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha and 7- Card Stud. The casino will continue to host daily Texas Hold-Em tournaments at 10 a.m., as well as its monthly "Free-roll" Tournament, among other promotions.
The new Race & Sports Book has a theme consistent with the casino, including murals depicting the 1940's era and the Cannery's famous pin-up girls. The raised ceilings stretch three stories for cleaner air and improved climate control. The room features a total of 129 seats with individual 15-inch computer screen and earphones at each lighted player station. The sports viewing area boasts state-of-the-art electronic boards easily viewed at the front and back of the room. A 60-inch center screen will be utilized for the featured races each day. The room also includes 10, 50-inch LCD television screens and eight wagering windows.
WHEEL WINNER!
Here we go again. Another million-dollar-plus winner and it's not me. Zita Esquivel de Velasquez (what a great name) was visiting her family in Las Vegas and decided to spend a night playing slots at Terrible's casino. You guessed it. She hit a Wheel of Fortune® quarter MegaJackpot® for $1,234,549. Esquivel, a kindergarten aide from Torreon, Mexico, always plays the Wheel when she's at the casino. "I was playing another machine, but something attracted me to this one," said Esquivel. "I didn't think I had really won," she said of her initial reaction. Esquivel plans to share her winnings with family and friends (my name was not included in this group) and to continue working with her kindergarten class.
After hearing and writing about all these Wheel of Fortune winners, I decided last week that I should forego video poker and go for the big bucks. Went to Sunset Station, put $100 in the two-coin dollar Wheel machine and began to play. Ten minutes later, after hitting cherries twice for a grand payoff of $10, I had no credits left. I didn't even get to Spin the Wheel! No wonder IGT can afford to give away these huge amounts.
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.
