Sign of Summer

You know the hot weather has arrived when the Tropicana opens its Swim-Up Blackjack game. Located in the main pool surrounded by lush tropical grounds, (one of my favorite spots on the Strip), the aquatic card game includes two separate blackjack tables that can accommodate up to seven players each. You can take the dive into either table from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and bet between $5 and $25 a hand. And don't worry about getting wet as towels are supplied for both you and the chips.

This has always been a fun event and even if you don't want to play, take advantage of the great drinks they serve and enjoy the adult-only Lagoon pool Hey, this is Vegas -- where anything goes and no-one's telling. If you want more info on the blackjack or the pool, you can go to www.tropicanalv.com or call 702-739-2222.

If you'd like to see "Stomp Out Loud" at a great price and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time, mark June 7 on your calendar. That's the day the production and Youth United join forces to raise money to build a Habitat for Humanity home for a local underprivileged family. A special matinee performance of "Stomp Out Loud" will take place at 3 p.m. with general admission tickets specially priced at $25 for students and $50 for adults. For more info, visit www.stompoutloudvegas.com.

Lots of poker news these days as everyone who plays the game is looking ahead to the World Series of Poker. And other than the big game itself, what could be more appealing than this year's World Series of Poker female-only event, the $1,000 buy-in No Limit Hold'em World Championship? The event last year had a record 1,286 entrants, more than 10 times the 112 entrants just five years ago.

A star-studded lineup of celebrities and poker professionals have committed to play in this year's event, slated as a three-day tournament beginning at noon on June 8, at the Rio. Among the scheduled celebrity participants are Joely Fisher, Teri Hatcher, Cheryl Hines, Camryn Manheim, Mindy McCready, Mimi Rogers (team co-captain), Jackie Collins (honorary captain who will not play in the tournament, but will be on hand to officially start the event) and Linda Johnson. With an estimated $1 million-plus in the prize pool and a coveted gold bracelet up for grabs, the level of competition is expected to be the toughest yet.

The 39th annual World Series of Poker will take place May 30 to July 14 at the Rio. The Main Event will begin on July 3 with the Final Table being determined on July 14. The nine players who advance to the Final Table will return to the Rio on Nov. 9 to play down to just two players. The final two will go head-to-head late in the evening on Nov. 10 to determine the champion and winner of poker's ultimate prize. Exciting stuff, even if you're not a player.

And speaking of poker, the 2nd Annual Binion's Poker Classic featuring 43 events over 41 days begins May 28 and runs through July 8. The Championship Event will take place July 7-8 and has the highest buy-in of the Poker Classic at $2,000. Some events are as little as $100 buy-ins while most fall within $150-$300 range with a couple of $500 events and one $1,000 Pot Limit Omaha event on June 27.

In addition to the Championship Event, a Seniors Event and several new games have been added to the rotation. All in all, there are 14 different games offered over the course of the Classic, including Razz, HORSE, Seven Card Stud 8 or Better, Pot Limit Omaha 8 or Better, and nine others.

If you'd like to take part in any of the events, register the day of the event you'd like to play. For No Limit Hold'em events, registration opens three hours prior to the start time. For all other games, registration opens two hours ahead of time.

If you're a dog owner like me, or own a pet, here's something of interest. American Red Cross-authorized instructor Jose Paredes will be at Doggie Oasis Day Care to teach a Pet First Aid/CPR class on June 8 from noon to 4 p.m. You will learn how to administer medications, recognize and care for choking, breathing, and cardiac emergencies as well as other situations that require immediate attention, perform CPR and basic first aid and what essentials to stock in a pet first aid kit.

Class size is limited so advance registration with deposit is required. The class fee is $45 and includes all books and materials, including the American Red Cross "Pet First Aid" text. Registration can be made in person or by calling 702-734-DOGS (3647). Doggie Oasis Day Care is located at 2924 Lake East Dr. (near Durango and Sahara in The Lakes area).

The free Jazz in the Park concert series, which takes place at the Clark County Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, is featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater on June 7 and Nick Colionne on June 21. Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. and seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets and low-back chairs will begin at 7 p.m. Parking is free. This is a great way to spend an evening and I highly recommend it.

Hats off to the Hogs & Heifer's "Hog Wild for Kids" charity motorcycle run to benefit Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF) and their Camp Cartwheel program as it raised $20,000. This means 80 kids will be able to attend summer camp. The money raised came from rider registrations ($1,740), live auction of donated items ($10,475), and participant donations and raffle ticket sales ($6,916). The last $869 came from Hogs & Heifers owner Michelle Dell, bringing the grand total to $20,000.

Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation's Camp Cartwheel is an outdoor day camp experience designed to help children with cancer or critical illnesses and their siblings overcome the physical, mental and emotional obstacles posed by childhood disease. The campers are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun camp activities and develop new skills. A nice item to end my column this week.

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 lennylasvegas@gmail.com Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.