THE THIRD ANNUAL MEATBALL AWARDS event was presented at the IMPERIAL PALACE with a meet and mix SUNDAY SOIREE. The Meatball awards recognize the backbone of Las Vegas' Entertainment Industry.

"Meatballs and lounge entertainers have more in common than you might think," says Grant Griffin, organizer of the event. "Meatballs are a quality staple—unique, fulfilling and inexpensive—just as the collection of singers, comedians and musicians of vintage Las Vegas were a staple of our industry. As the backbone of Las Vegas show business, these performers set the standard for today's entertainers, and the indelible mark they leave, deserves to be recognized." And, that is why Las Vegas talent of yesteryear and support media were honored during the Third Annual Meatball Awards at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino.

This year's categories and recipients were: entertainment director, Ron Garrett; impressionist, Bill Acosta; male comic, Pete Barbutti; lounge act, Sun Spots; producer, John Stuart; male singer, Laurence T.; female singer, Denise Clemente; magician, Fielding West; chef, Chas La Forte; press columnist, Jerry Fink; talent coordinator, Jaki Baskow; radio, Ira David Sternberg; TV anchorman, Gary Waddell; TV anchorwoman, Cathy Ray (Steve Wolford accepting for Cathy as she was unable to attend); entertainer of the year, Clint Holmes; and Las Vegas lifetime achievement, Nancy Houssels and Sam Melchionne.

Presenters were: Jackie Brett, (presented for Norm Johnson who was unable to attend) Derek David, Grant Griffin, Larry Hart, Lorraine Hunt-Bono, Cook E. Jarr, Mac King, Babe Pier, Cork Proctor, Tony Sacca, Sammy Shore, Maynard Sloate, Mike Weatherford, Amy Solomon, Steve Wolford and Mary Wilson.

The event started with a reception at 6 p.m. and the awards program got under way at 7 p.m. M.C. was Cork Proctor who made many cringe in his inimitable comedic way with biting, but funny remarks. Artie Schroeck conducted the Meatball Band. The evening was filled with entertainment both comically and musically that came about from both presenters and honorees.

Some of the outstanding entertainment was provided by the great Society of Seven with Lani Misalucha, Charles Las Forte (chef of the year) and Grant Griffith, producer of the event Laurence T dedicated a song to Lou Rawls by singing the Blues—"In the evening when the sun goes down." Sammy Shore, comedian who was with Elvis Presley, said he started his career 45 years ago as a ventriloquist, but said now his puppets are dead. Cook E. Jarr did impressions and sang, "Who Let the Dog Out." Denise Clemente who moved to Las Vegas in 1975 sang "Mr. Melody."

Grant Griffith presented a tribute to Don Manarina who was the creator of the Meatball Awards Presentations. Lorraine Hunt said that Don Manarina was her cousin and the straw hat on the Meatball Awards logo was in honor of the late lounge staple, Sonny King, who wore a straw hat while performing.

After the show, guests were invited for a taste of—what else—gourmet meatballs with a total of 3,000 being provided by Bootlegger Bistro, Viaggio, Dragonfly, Elvis' restaurant and the Imperial Palace.

A portion of the proceeds benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas.

This event was a true vintage Vegas evening with nostalgia and fun for all.