This first item might seem a little strange seeing that it's only Feb. 28, but for those of us who love Christmas, it's nice to know that Santa is taking his chores seriously. For the fifth straight year, the Naturally Santa convention is back at the Imperial Palace beginning tomorrow, March 1, and running thru Saturday, March 3. As the name of the 12-year-old organization suggests, these Kris Kringles, St. Nicks and jolly ol' fellows have their own real hair and beards.
If you've never heard of this group, it plays a key role in providing the kind of Santas that we all look forward to seeing come the Christmas holidays. Naturally Santa specializes in the placement and training of authentic, genuine, kosher - well, okay, maybe not kosher - Santas. Naturally Santas are among the best trained in the business, priding themselves on a membership that does not drink, smoke or womanize.....hmmm, makes you wonder why they're so jolly.
This past season, 72 Naturally Santas, ranging in age from 45 to 81, worked in 30 states. The members are in character any time they leave home (I wonder if their wives accompany them, or just pretend they don't know them?). You certainly won't be able to miss them if you're over at the IP this week. Great chance to get some fun photos as well.
Between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday, they'll meet in Royal Hall A on the third floor to share heartwarming stories about their Christmas experiences and discuss strategies on how to handle children, take pictures that tell a story, accommodate non-Christian youngsters and those disabled - even how to deal with adults who want to sit on Santa's lap. And, of course, how NOT to promise gifts.
About 50 plan to attend with their spouses - plus Naturally Santa wannabes. The convention is the only time during the year that the organization interviews and takes on new members. Last year, of the more than 20 St. Nicks who traveled to Las Vegas at their own expense to be interviewed and videotaped, only 11 made the cut. Tough crowd. Should be a lot of fun.
GAMBLING GOURMET
Gambling Gourmet, the latest dining innovation to hit Las Vegas casinos, will provide players with slot and game-side dining at the El Cortez downtown beginning this March. This is a concept that has been catching on, allowing players to continue gambling while enjoying food right at their seats or the machines. Menu items will include appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers. The service will initially be available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
El Cortez's Gambling Gourmet is the first time a Las Vegas gaming property has provided dining service to all slots and table games on the casino floor. Each individual order will be served on china with silverware so none of that plastic or Styrofoam crap, thank God. The food will be prepared in Kitty's Cafe, a 24-hour coffee shop known for its low prices and great specials, so you know you're not going to get ripped off. I personally have no desire to eat at my machine or table game, as I think we all need a break once in a while and what better way than to get up and go to the coffee shop or restaurant? Of course, to the casino, it means you will only be spending the cost of your meal. This way, you will not only pay for your meal, but continue feeding the casino's money machine.
SEE SPOT RUN
Got a dog? If so, this is for you. It's the annual Mutts 'n' Masters 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, March 10, at the Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center. The events include a competitive 5K run and a one-mile run/walk for all ages and abilities, with or without a dog (my mistake, I thought you needed one). The events begin at 8 a.m. at the center, located at 101 North Pavilion Center Dr., with the 5K using the Cottonwood Canyon Park in Summerlin and ending at the center.
For those who pre-register for the 5K run prior to March 10, the entry fee is only $25. The pre-registration fee for the one-mile run/walk is $15. Registration on the day of the event will be $30 for the 5K and $20 for the one-mile run/walk. Registrants 55 years and older will receive a 10-percent discount. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers, the top male and female finishers overall with their dogs, and the top male and female runners in each of nine age groups, in the 5K run.
The one-mile fun run/walk is non-competitive. All two-legged participants will receive a T-shirt and participation ribbon and all four-legged finishers will receive a bandana and a ribbon. There is a limit of one dog per person; each animal must remain on a leash. A parent or guardian must sign the liability waiver for children under 18 years of age to participate. See the registration form for other safety rules and restrictions. For more information on this fun and furry event, call (702) 229-1100. Pre-registration forms may be picked up/dropped off at the center through March 9.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/MuttsnMastersBrochure.pdf to download the registration form, rules and information. Registration also is available online at www.active.com through March 9. Don't complain that you didn't know how to register.
HONORING VETS
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, an 80 percent scale replica of the Washington D.C. based Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display in the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson parking lot located on Eastern Avenue just south of Sahara. Measuring nearly 380 feet in length and 8 1/2 feet high at its apex, the tribute is the largest wall replica in the United States and includes 58,245 names of U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
Additionally, the Cost of Freedom exhibit will be on display, which includes a tribute to 9/11 victims and military personnel who lost their lives in Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In remembrance of the fallen heroes, an art exhibit will be on display from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along with a free video e-mail service to salute the U.S. troops overseas. The non-profit exhibit will be open 24 hours a day, rain or shine and free for all to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives defending the freedom of others.
Donations received will go toward keeping the AVTT on the road for all to "Honor-Respect-Remember" the men and women who lost their lives in U.S. conflict and to pay tribute to our troops today. A good cause that I hope you will support. Maybe one day, and hopefully soon, we won't have to even think about any new names being added to a memorial wall.
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.
