Contortionist dancer Hairo Torres shows off his moves. Photo by Denise Truscello

By Jamie Helmick
Vegas.com

As America prepares to sail into another decade, it’s more than fair to say that things are changing.
It’s not just health care or civil rights or anything debated in the halls of Congress — it’s also the American dream.

Based on the wealth of reality programming being beamed to the nation’s televisions, it’s clear that for an increasing number of people, the new American dream is to show the world their skills, their talents. It’s to stand in front of audiences, thundering applause echoing in their ears.

With that in mind, it’s plain to see the draw of “America’s Got Talent Live” — the Las Vegas stage version of the popular television show, hosted by Jerry Springer.

The stage version features acts pulled from the finalists of Season Four of the television show (including the $1 million winner, Kevin Skinner) performing their myriad skills in front of a live audience, five nights a week at Planet Hollywood.

Rolled all together, the acts make up the kind of variety show Vegas audiences love best — one that leaves them in awe — but the show has a little something extra.

It also gives the crowds a glimpse of a life that could be theirs. It’s not hard to leave the showroom thinking, “That could be me.”

For the acts in the production, it’s been a quick transition into Sin City stardom. And although millions watched them on television all summer, it may not have hit home just how normal the stars are.
The Texas Tenors, a group of three friends, from, yes, Texas were just trying to get by when auditions for the show were held in Houston earlier this year.

The three had all sung individually before and when the auditions came up, they put together their group to grab at the chance to make a better life for themselves and their families, Marcus Collins, one of the Tenors, said.

Collins was on unemployment, “doing whatever odd job [he] could do,” while JC Fisher and John Hagen were also plugging away at life.

“We got together to try to make something happen for our families, to try and survive this economic disaster,” Collins said.

Fast forward a few months and the three are singing their hearts out for Vegas audiences with just a little bit of luck and a lot of talent.

“We’ve gone from zero to a million,” Collins said.

The Tenors aren’t the only act with an everyman appeal. Before each section of the show, an introduction video is shown, explaining where they came from (both metaphorically and literally).

There’s a young dancer, Hairo Torres, finding his own style and way, and Lawrence Beaman, who could be your neighbor, save for a voice like Barry White. There’s Recycled Percussion, energetic young guys, making music from garbage cans.

And it’s hard to overlook Season Four’s winner, Kevin Skinner, who was a chicken catcher before playing his guitar right into stardom.

Opera singer Barbara Padilla struggled with cancer before finding her way to the show and Las Vegas. Although she was told the treatment would affect her vocal cords, Padilla made it through and is living her dream.

“This is what we want to do as singers,” Padilla said. “We want to sing, and the opportunity to sing every day is priceless. It’s definitely like a dream come true.”

Padilla was a stay-at-home mom before her life changed course and although she said she misses her daughter, homesicknesses hasn’t quite set in because, “I’m just having such a good time,” she said. “It’s just such a different experience, an experience I would have never had if I hadn’t been [on the show].”
If the Tenors or Padilla don’t strike a chord, consider Grandma Lee — a 75-year-old grandma who tells jokes with the timing and pace of some of today’s hottest (and youngest) comics.

When her husband, a Marine, died in 1995, Lee went after her dream full bore. Although her husband only saw her perform once, Lee says in her introduction video that she thinks he’d be proud — and with good reason.

While on the phone for an interview for this story, Lee was momentarily held up as fans clamored around her for pictures and autographs.

“The audience is awesome,” Lee said. “It’s unbelievable, I’m still getting used to it.”
Because the performers were on television before making it to Sin City, audiences, to some extent, are built in.

“They recognize and were fans of these people all summer long,” said Andy Felsher, senior vice president of FremantleMedia, which produces the show.

Padilla said she sees this in the response she gets from the audience.

“Some of them are huge fans and they come to see us because they were actually waiting for something like this, to come see us,” she said. “And they actually go to see what they saw on TV, but this is so much better, live is so much better. They have an idea of what the space is, they see the lights and everything that happens.”

But why Vegas? First, the Vegas show was part of the prize package for the winner. “It’s the entertainment capital of the world, the perfect spot,” Felsher said.

But, according to Felsher to as well as many of the performers, it’s also just a good fit for Sin City.
“There are all kinds of acts in Vegas and we’ve just melded them into one variety show,” Felsher said.
Fisher, from then Texas Tenors, sees it similarly.

“It’s the ultimate variety show, dancing, singing, banging on drums and Jerry Springer, in a little over an hour, it’s fun,” he said. “It gives people a chance to see one show, with a variety consistent with the Vegas variety, but also the chance to see people you voted for or rooted for in the show.”

And if you take just a little bit further, beyond Vegas, back to what the show represents, there’s that bigger, dream-fulfilled appeal.

As Collins, one of the Tenors put it, “I think ‘America’s Got Talent Live’ represents the dreams and the hopes of everyday people and gives people a chance to see a show where we’re just like them, but we gave it a shot,” he said. “We took a chance and here we are and we made it happen and they can do it, too.”

From Cher and David Copperfield to a wine festival and Thanksgiving cooking classes, it’s all happening this weekend in Vegas.

Nightlife

In Vegas, the party goes all night long

Head to Cathouse for a freebie night, featuring fashionable giveaways, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne for ladies until midnight. Cathouse at the Luxor, with it’s French bordello vibe and food from rock ‘n’ roll chef Kerry Simon, makes this place a rockin’ hot spot. Oh, and the women in lingerie help too.

Cathouse

Head to Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood for the MMA Ring Girl Search. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 19. The grand prize is $500 and a ring girl contract for the MMA.

Wine & dine

Wine lovers are popping their corks this weekend

If you’re a wine lover, head to Paris Las Vegas for the Beaujolais Nouveau event.

With festivities throughout the Nov. 19 – 22 weekend, guests will be able to taste the first grapes of the season. Samples of the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau and souvenir glasses will be available in the Paris lobby from Nov. 19 – 21 from noon – 6 p.m.

Then enjoy wines in restaurants like Mon Ami Gabi, Les Artistes Steakhouse and the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s.

On Nov. 19, join the Wine 101: Passport to Wine and get a glimpse of the different regions of French wine. Tickets for this event start at $35.

Enjoy a Rock ‘n’ Roll wine night at Risqué Nightclub Nov. 20 with live music and you guessed it, more wine.

Tickets start at $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

On Nov. 22, take part in a Beaujolais Nouveau-themed brunch at Mon Ami Gabi and the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s.

If you mention the Beaujolais Nouveau event, you receive a bottle of 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau and two souvenir glasses.

Cooking class a holiday treat at the Palms

Nove Italiano inside the Palms Casino Resort is hosting a holiday cooking class.

Executive Chef Geno Bernardo will show a small group of guests how to create some of his great-grandmother’s favorite dishes like stuffed artichokes, boneless stuffed turkey breast and pumpkin cheesecake.

The class is offered at $110 per person from noon – 3 p.m. on Nov. 21.

Come and dine in style in a Las Vegas restaurant

If you’re hungry for a little seafood, head to El Cortez’s Flame Steakhouse for succulent stone crabs. The Friday and Saturday night special includes fresh stone crabs for only $28 per pound from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Little Buddha at the Palms offers guests a new prix fixe menu for only $45. Choose from dishes like miso soup, lettuce wraps, potstickers, Jidori chicken and Kobe beef short ribs. An optional wine pairing is an additional $20. The offer is good for dinner on Nov. 19.

Society Café Encore offers guests a new “Triple B” menu full of scrumptious burgers, barbecue and beer options like the Piggy Back Burger, Kobe burger with crispy rock shrimp, BBQ filet sliders and a selection of beers like Blue Moon and Fat Tire Amber Ale for $7. These options are available starting at 5 p.m. every day.

Shows

Cher returns to Vegas for show at Colosseum

If you “Believe” in Cher, now is your chance to see her as she takes over the Colosseum at Caesars Palace Nov. 21 and 22.

Complete with Bob Mackie’s over-the-top costume creations, dance moves by Doriana Sanchez and some of her greatest hits, Cher takes guests through more than four decades of chart topping hits like “Half Breed,” “I Got You Babe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”

Cher performs nightly at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $117.

From magic to comedy to psychics, Vegas has it all

Let David Copperfield impress you with his incredible magic. Copperfield performs nightly at the MGM Grand, Nov. 19 – 22. Tickets start at $79 and show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. with an extra show at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Lewis Black’s sense of comedic timing is impeccable. His witty jokes and appearances on such shows at “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central have made Black a staple in the comedic world. Black will make you laugh Nov. 20 – 21 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $80.90 at the Terry Fator Theatre in the Mirage.

Let the smooth sounds of Motown take you away as the Four Tops roll into the Orleans Showroom Nov. 20 – 22. The Four Tops have had such hits as “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Tickets start at $44 and show time is 8 p.m.

Gary Spivey is a world-renowned psychic that will be reading minds Nov. 20 at the Night Owl Showroom in Hooters Hotel & Casino. Spivey, whose nickname “The Modern Day Nostradamus,” answers guests’ questions regarding a variety of topics and brings points of clarity to even the toughest skeptic. Spivey tickets start at $39.99 and show time is at 7 p.m.

Do you like strippers then?

There it is.

To give our poor, moniker-less “Seasonal Strippers” a name and maybe win a prize while you’re at it, head over to VEGAS.com’s Facebook. Four prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest — to our two favorite names and to the two submissions with the most Facebook “likes.”

If you’re looking for inspiration before you click, take a look at our dancers below.

Plus, blog bonus, we know you want to get into Thanksgiving spirit any way you can, so here’s some flair for your buddy icon. Right click, save-as and you’re on your way (if you wouldn’t mind throwing a link to the contest up somewhere, that would help, but, hey, no pressure):

http://www.vegas.com
This Week on the Vegas Minute:
Chippendales at the Rio,
Supernatural Santana at the Hard Rock Hotel,
David Copperfield at MGM Grand,
Cher at the Caesars Palace,
Joe Rogan at the Playboy Comedy Club inside the Palms.
For more Las Vegas news, visit,
http://www.vegas.com/vegasminute/

Yesterday, Ethel M held its 16th annual holiday cactus lighting. The countdown to the light display literally felt like New Year’s Eve. The moment all of the lights came on, everyone (including myself) cheered.

Featuring more than a half million lights and different pathways among the garden, it’s easy to get lost in the enchantment. In addition to the bright, vivid lights, there are holiday props scattered throughout the garden. A couple of my personal favorites included the gingerbread woman and “moving” reindeer, both covered in lights.

And if this isn’t convincing enough, you can sample free chocolates at the chocolate factory next door. You can also purchase this year’s holiday chocolates in fun, festive-looking boxes. Chocolate treats this year include eggnog, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and white chocolate peppermint bark.

 The holiday lights display is available through Jan. 1, 2010, from sundown to 10 p.m. nightly. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Cactus trees and Christmas lights never looked so beautiful.

© Bob Mackie Designs

By Jennifer Whitehair
Vegas.com

Bob Mackie is bold, some may even say brazen when it comes to design. He once famously said, “A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed.”

It comes as no surprise that a designer noted for his exuberance and flash in clothing should enjoy a 40-year relationship with a city known for its over-the-top approach to everything. Beginning with Mitzi Gaynor in 1966 through Cher’s current concert series at Caesars Palace, Mackie has gowned the stars wand the showgirls of Las Vegas.

This is just one facet of a man whose career includes nine Emmy awards for design on various television shows including the landmark “The Carol Burnett Show,” three Academy Award nominations for film costuming, Broadway, designs for Barbie, a home furnishing line, a clothing line for QVC, and more celebrity dress and stage outfits than can be listed on this page.

On Nov. 19, when Cher returns to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, she will debut four new Bob Mackie creations.
VEGAS.com checks in with the king of costume design in Vegas.

Q: You’ve had a long history with Vegas. You designed costumes for Mitzi Gaynor’s show back in ’66.
A: I remember that very clearly and it was very exciting. That was my first star lady that kind of trusted me to do her whole wardrobe. And Mitzi Gaynor was a big deal in Vegas. There weren’t that many star acts in Vegas at the time. There became many, many acts after that, but she set the tone for the lady’s nightclub act at the time and it was an interesting thing.

Nowadays there’s scenery and effects and all that. In those days they came out in front of the band and did their act. She had four boys and her, and, you know, you better have talent.

And in ’81 you did a series of costumes for Jubilee!
I had done “Hallelujah Hollywood” at MGM Grand, which is now Bally’s. It was a huge show, a big Don Arden show. And then four to five years later, it was ’75 when we opened that (Hallelujah Hollywood), they said it’s time to have a new show.

So we did Jubilee and that was quite horrifying to get it on stage because of the fire – that was sad and terrible. (Editor’s Note: Jubilee’s props and costumes were damaged by smoke and water in the MGM Grand fire). Anyways, we got it up and it was a hit and who knew it would be on this many years later.

And now you are designing costumes for Cher’s show in Vegas. How does it all compare? Is it radically different what you are designing for Vegas now versus what you designed for Mitzi in ’66?
Well everyone has their own style and their own persona and their own look that they have developed. That’s why they are stars. It’s my job to enhance what’s already there. I never tried to change anybody or to try and make them something else because it doesn’t work.

Can you give us an idea about your process? How do you start out designing a Vegas show? Is there anything you do differently for a Vegas show?
It depends on where it is of course. If it’s in Vegas and they (the star) are known for having great legs or a beautiful body or they are known for wearing outlandish costumes like Cher is, I go in that direction. But there’s always a script, a list of numbers, and how they want it to look and what type of mood we are trying to convey and so that comes into play as well.

Do you prefer designing for a single star performer or a large cast?
I love doing the whole thing. Like Jubilee took us well over a year to put together. I think the show was bigger in those days, it had many more numbers and things. It was really a huge project and just fitting it alone took forever. It goes on and on. And showgirls aren’t the easiest to fit. I don’t mean the women themselves, but those kind of outfits that have to balance and be big and be stored a certain way. It’s not just drawing cute pictures.

What are the challenges in designing for a Vegas show?
It depends on the show, but, if it’s like, Jubilee, that starts many months, years in advance when the director/producer, Don Arden in those days, had these big long meetings and we would talk about these numbers. He would have a whole plan and sometimes he even knew what color he wanted it to be. I want this whole finale to be in blue or I want this to be in this color or that color. It’s a very collaborative thing but when you sit down all by yourself behind the drawing board it’s a whole different situation. You have to find 30 ways to make the same showgirl look different. It’s really fun but it’s a lot of work. Now as far as designing what I would have done for a Diana Ross in Las Vegas was very different than a Carol Channing or Mitzi Gaynor or Ann-Margret. They are all so different. They all have their own personality and persona that people know them for. One has to go with that and try to make that interesting. They are already interesting to start with. It is just sort of fun. You know who you are dressing. When you are doing chorus members you are trying to create an environment for the star that is standing in front of them.

You work very closely with Cher. How does that process start?
She covers the gamut of goddesses. We do everything in the world. Right now I’ve done a number where she’s dressed as a man in 1940s Zoot suit (see picture above). It’s a pin-striped suit that every stripe is a line of diamonds. Not real diamonds.

Wow, very visually impactful.
Hopefully everything she walks out in is visually impactful. Except, she does wear a pair of jeans and a little shirt to sing in at one point. But other than that, it’s all high, high drag.

Do you have a favorite costume that Cher wears in the show?
I don’t know. It’s hard to say. Sometimes the last one you did is your favorite. I’ve added a new finale costume (see picture above) and I do like it very much. It’s all strips of square-cut crystals – many, many strips. There’s thousands of stones on it. You can imagine the cost.

How does that (Cher’s new outfit) start?
People are watching her all the time and expecting her to do new things. She wants a new outfit or she has a new song or she wants to change things up and make it look different. We did several new ones this time. She wanted more but we ran out of time; we just couldn’t do it … She just loves to dress up. She really loves the whole surprise of it. But you know her personality doesn’t change because of it.

How long does it take to create something like Cher’s opening Cleopatra outfit from initial discussions to final fitting?
The sketch is easy. That is the easy part. It’s getting it made. That’s not an easy thing to make. And it takes a lot of wonderful craftsman and people that I work with to accomplish the thing. The headdresses alone are phenomenal amount of work and tedious hand work that just goes on and on. All those set stones – diamonds and topazes and god knows what. And the big cape she has on. I don’t do dresses for her, I do Rose Parade floats.

I don’t know if I could carry off an outfit like that.
There aren’t too many people that can. That’s the whole point. That’s why you pay to see her. You know, it’s kind of fun. She does it because it’s fun. Clothes oddly never wear her. Most people put it on and they would just disappear. Cher doesn’t.

Have you ever wanted to design for a male star?
Well I have nothing against designing for a male star. They usually don’t come to me for that. Though I did design a lot of things for Elton John over the years when he was doing his wild stuff. That was because he met me when he was doing the special with Cher and he said, “Couldn’t I have some of those things?” and I said sure, let’s do it. And we did. We did a lot of things. The wild stuff. Most of the wild stuff is things I did for him. But he wanted it. He never worried about can I sit and play the piano for an hour in this. He just did it. He dressed as Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse and all kinds of wild capes and headdresses. And he loved it and the audience loved it.

Is there anything you wouldn’t put on a Vegas stage?
I don’t know, probably not. The whole point is that it depends on if it’s right for what they are doing. I don’t know if I could answer yes or no on that. It has to do with the show. I’m there as a team player to enhance the whole production. A gray flannel suit I don’t think is going to do what they want in Vegas, but you never know.

Was there anything you always wanted to design for Vegas, but never got the chance?
I never think about those things. When it comes up, I do it. There are things that would be fun to do. All sorts of space age things. I wouldn’t mind dropping into the Cirque du Soleil offices and doing something for them that’s very different from anything else I’ve ever done. They think of me as doing these glamour, showgirl kinds of things because of the shows, well that one show is still running, that I’ve done. But I am able to do other things.

This Week on the Vegas Minute:
Mario Andretti Racing Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway,
Americas Got Talent Live at Planet Hollywood,
Lily Tomlin at the MGM Grand,
Andrew Dice Clay at the Riveria.
For more Las Vegas news, visit,
http://www.vegas.com/vegasminute/

From dueling pianos to dinner (way) above the Las Vegas Strip, it’s all happening this weekend in Vegas.

Bars & dining

Bellagio's conservatory

Weekend of dueling pianos, prix fixe meals

Opening just in time for fall, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at Town Square will surely attract locals and Vegas visitors alike. The rock ‘n’ roll piano bar will keep you entertained and satiated, pouring plenty of libations nightly. The bar opens Nov. 13. Hours will be Tuesday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 3 a.m. and the entertainment starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday.

Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace is offering an autumn-inspired prix fixe lunch menu for $19. The three-course menu contains tempting delights like asparagus salad, seared sea bass and a signature Payard pastry. The special is available in the main dining room.

Nove Italiano’s new tasting menu arrives just in time for fall. At $45, the four-course prix fixe menu includes choice of antipasti, pasta, main course and dessert. Sit high above Las Vegas at the Palms with gorgeous views of the Las Vegas Strip and take advantage of this tasting menu, served for dinner, Fridays and Saturdays until 7:30 p.m.

Shows

‘Supernatural Santana’ and sensational Sedaka

Travel through the ages with “Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits” and enjoy some of Santana’s biggest hits as he performs live at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel. Rock out to songs like “Into the Night,” “Corazon Espinado” and “Smooth.” Tickets start at $60.50 and show times are at 8 p.m.

Since the age of 13, Neil Sedaka has been wowing us with his catchy songs like “Stupid Cupid,” “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” Now, Sedaka is bringing his show to Las Vegas at the Orleans. Enjoy this accomplished artist Nov. 12 – 15. Tickets start at $44 and show times are at 8 p.m.

No shortage of comedy acts in town

This weekend, funny lady Lily Tomlin will be at the Hollywood Theatre in the MGM Grand. The Emmy, Tony and Grammy award winning artist will be entertaining fans at 8 p.m., Nov. 10 – 13 and 15 – 18, with the show starting at 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 14.

Playboy Comedy hosts special guest Paul Gilmartin. The comedian is best known for his work on “Dinner and a Movie” on TBS. The show takes place Nov. 13 at 10:30 p.m. and Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39.99.

Controversial comic Andrew Dice Clay heats things up over at the Riviera Nov. 12 – 15. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $76.99.

“Saturday Night Live” alum Norm MacDonald brings his stand-up routine to House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and up.

You might not recognize comedian Frank Caliendo, but you’ll probably recognize his impressions of more than 120 celebrities. John Madden, Donald Trump and Dr. Phil are just a few of the funny man’s spot-on personalities that he channels in his show at the Monte Carlo. Tickets start at $59 and show times are 9:30 p.m. Monday – Tuesday and Friday – Saturday.

Sports

Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiano vs. Miguel Cotto

Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Year Manny “PacMan” Pacquiano takes on three-time world champion Miguel Cotto Saturday, Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m. and tickets start at $150.

Attractions

Fun from gardens to bumper cars

Stop in the Bellagio’s conservatory to see nearly 14,000 square feet of autumn-themed horticulture. Open 24 hours a day, there are plenty of photo opportunities for guests.

Enjoy a gourmet meal while harnessed into a sky car that seats 22 people and five staffers in the center at Dinner in the Sky, served on Friday and Saturday nights. Hours vary. Tickets start at $169.

Enjoy the “Polar Express 4-D” with action packed adventure as a young boy races to the North Pole, complete with faux snow. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 at the Excalibur’s Fantasy Faire level.

If you feel the need for speed, head over to Pole Position, just a short drive off the Las Vegas Strip at 4175 Arville St. Be the first to cross the finish line in an 18-horsepower racing cart at up to 45 miles per hour at the indoor racing track. Pole Position is open Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight. Tickets for 2 adult races start at $55 per person.

This year the festivities are being held at Town Square. Check is in at 8 a.m. and the 5k run/walk starts at 10 a.m. There is also a 1-mile walk around Town Square for the more casual walker/ runner. Even if you don’t feel like walking or running you can still register and be a part of the event. Booths will be set up at Town Square on December 5 where you can sign a book and be counted for the Guinness World Record attempt.

Photo by Digital Kitten

The Santa Run is an all-ages event. People are encouraged to bring children and strollers are welcome. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Day of registration is $45. The registration fee includes a five-piece Santa suit, race bib and gifts from various Vegas vendors including a ticket to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. You can register as an individual or team. Visit here to register or any PT’s Tavern or Sierra Gold location in Vegas.

This event is one of many around the world competing for the title. Manchester, Tasmania, Hungary, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Dublin and other locations are also hoping to win the title for having the world’s largest Santa gathering. The current world record was set in 2007 with 12,965 participants at the Santa Dash in Derry, Ireland.

Along with the run, this Santa gathering will include a full day of entertainment and activities. Various Vegas headliners and personalities will be on hand to add to the festivities including NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Robin Leach, Zowie Bowie, Strad, Drzhivegas, Yellow Brick Road and of course, Santa Claus. There will also be various contests including Best Dressed Santa, Best Dressed Baby Santa and Best Dressed Doggy.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit and help raise money for Opportunity Village, a local non-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities.

Visit here for more information about this event.