by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Attended the VIP/Media opening for the new City of Henderson Events Plaza last week. Wow, what a nice layout-except when the wind decides to go crazy like it did that evening. But, regardless of the darn near Hurricane wind that popped up suddenly, Henderson continues to show why it is one of the fastest growing cities in the West.

And, Mayor James B. Gibson was able to show fleetness of feet when the wind suddenly knocked over all the flags on stage. The man was out of his chair and caught the Stars and Stripes before it hit the stage floor. The other flags did not do so well. Bud Pico, manager of special events for the city, also saved the day by standing behind and supporting an easel that held a special painting being presented to Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCA).

The Plaza, constructed at a cost of $11,467,860, with $8 million coming from a grant by the LVCA, is located within the Henderson Government Complex adjacent to City Hall. It covers 2.7 acres with more than 60,000 sq-ft of event programmable space, with 4,000 sq-ft of open space and a shade canopy. The Paseo Canopy features 22,000 sq-ft of unique event space with seating up to 500, tiered artificial lawn seating for 200 in the amphitheater and seating around the perimeter for additional 200, for a total of 900. There is a Water Entertainment feature where kids can play, while parents watch an event.

And, believe me, there are lots of events planned for this beautiful structure: the Annual ArtFest, St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Car Shows Firefighter Combat Challenge, Winterfest and the Terrible 400 Desert Race to name a few already on the agenda. It will be utilized to its fullest--you can bet on it!

The Annual CAST, Inc., Gala was held Monday evening at the Sahara Hotel with Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers on hand to receive the first Louis Prima Award, given for outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Lena Prima, daughter of the great entertainer, presented the award.

And, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Medley must have been complimented that night as impersonators Gene Sironen and Doug Masters entertained as the Righteous Brothers at the gala. The guys performed "Little Latin Lupe Lu," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "Unchained Melody" and "Rock and Roll Heaven." The two impersonators have been appearing as the Righteous Brothers in "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino since 1994. The duo will appear again for a very special one-night performance this Monday (Sept. 18th ) at the I.P.

As you all know, anything to do with auto racing is my second love and so, with the recent announcement that the Vegas Grand Prix was approved by the City Fathers for April 6-8, 2007 on the streets of downtown Las Vegas, I am once again a happy camper. Aimee Worth, formerly of Preferred Public Relations, who recently joined the firm of Brown & Partners, (a terrific lady and friend) has been named as media contact for the event, along with long-time motorsports writer Mike Henle. The new office is at 201 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 150, and will serve as headquarters for the race. The phone number is (702) 727-4607 and a new Web site is now up and running with all kinds of info: www.vegasgrandprix.com.

I can't wait for this one, but I'll have to, I guess, like everyone else. Ticket information will be forthcoming soon and I'll pass it on as I get it.

Speaking of auto racing the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is bursting with work crews in its hurry to meet the schedule for the Annual NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Smith's Las Vegas 300 Race next Saturday (Sept. 23rd). Tickets for the truck race are available. It was just announced that Jeremy Mayfield will drive the #15 Chevrolet truck for Billy Ballew, whose trucks have won a number of races, including the 2004 truck race at the speedway.

The new track, with its 20 degree banking completed and tested, is a beautiful structure. As you all know I took a test drive on its surface and believe me gang, it is fast. It'll be a great sight to watch those trucks get the green flag Saturday evening. The new pit row (which was moved nearly 275 feet closer to the grandstand) has been completed; work on the garages is on-going as is the new Media Center. When the hot-shots of NASCAR arrive for the 10th Annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 (set for March 11, 2007) and the Sam's Town 300 Busch Series (March 10th ) they will have to stand in amazement at what awaits them.

Fast acting fans will be clamoring for those precious tickets to get inside and watch the race in person. Tickets go on sale for seats, weekend packages and passes for the new Neon Garage tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 16th). Call (702) 644-4444 or 1-800-644-4444 for all the packages being offered. You can also go to www.lvms.com to purchase tickets.

Well, gang, that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!