The Zumanity Showroom at the New York/New York Hotel and Casino was the home to this year’s Best of Las Vegas Awards.

 

The festive event began with a performance of African dancers from the Zumanity show.  The frenzied beat of the dancing had the audience geared up to the ceremony which was MC’d by the fabulous George Wallace.  Mr. Wallace’s easy-going, intelligent and downright funny approach to handling the event was perfect.  He began telling the gathering that he was wearing a cast from an accident while doing a performance at the Bellagio, where he had tripped over some cables and ripped his Achilles’ tendon.  That is a very painful injury and he has handled his healing extremely well – walking the stage without any ambulatory devices – yes! George Wallace is a true trooper!  He made us laugh when he said that that the Bellagio “would soon be called The George.”  His warm welcome for all the inductees and presenters was relaxing and gave a feeling of comfort at an otherwise routine award ceremony.

 

Among the presenters were: Frank Marino, Lance Burton, Monti Rock III, Gordie Brown, Rita Rudner, Mark and Mercedes, Mayor Oscar Goodman, Nate Tannenbaum, Bill Acosta, Second City cast members, Louie Anderson, John L. Smith and many more from the local media, celebrity and performers from our great city of Las Vegas.  Monti Rock III was definitely the best-dressed presenter, sparkling like Las Vegas itself.

 

Clint Holmes entertained us with a song that came out from the ravages of 9/11 – a poignant number that reached out to our hearts.  Mosaic, the acappella group (recently voted #1 American acappella group) performed a terrific rendition of “Mack the Knife” that had us all snapping our fingers as fleeting memories of Bobby Darin crossed through our minds.

 

George Wallace kept the pace going – remarking that at Food For Less – “everything is free if it’s old – but then doesn’t that make it illegal?”

Keeping his terrific pace he told of a room that rented for $3,000/night at the Bellagio and the maid asked him if he wanted the sheets changed – he remarked that for that price – he wanted everything changed – the sheets, the drapes – the whole décor!

 

Frank Marino won for the Best Showgirl, the NY/NY roller coaster for best ride, Best Bowling Alley – Red Rock Lanes…and on and on the awards kept being announced.   Mayor Oscar Good man won for the Best Politician, Most Colorful Character, and Favorite Las Vegan and said, “I am the happiest mayor in the universe.”  Holding all his awards, he barely had enough hand space to juggle his plaques.  Go for it, Oscar, you are fabulous! The Lied Children’s Museum garnered another award as the Best Museum – this a fantastic place to take you and children for an educational and exciting afternoon. 

 

John L. Smith garnered the Best Print Journalist category and lauded the freedom of the press in enabling him to be able to due justice and commentary in our country.

 

Natalie of Zumanity sang a luscious ballad to the audience.  She was simply – sexy and talented!

 

A town of food lovers voted for PF Chang's, Andres, Osaka, Timbers, White Chocolate Grill as some of the winners in the various food categories.

 

Lance Burton was very relaxed and commented that “You can laugh, your hotel wasn’t on fire…” He said that his new hero is the Las Vegas Fire Department who quickly responded to the scene and no one was hurt in the fire.  He also commended the hotels that helped in relocating the Monte Carlo’s guests during the crisis.  Hey – remember – this is still a town that relies on each other in times of crisis and as a group we pull through in our united efforts!

 

The Best Production Show was given to Love.  The Nevada Ballet Theater was also honored, along with Rita Rudner (Best Comedian and Favorite Female Las Vegan).  Danny Gans was honored as the Best All Around Performer.  George Wallace received the award for the Best 10PM Show.  Do not miss his show – it gets funnier every time that we have seen it – he never gets stale – as his act always includes new, and newer anecdotes that make you laugh at life and at yourself.  What a bright and universal man!

 

The Red Rock Hotel received among its myriad awards The Best Local Hotel title.  A short on the new Smith Center for the Performing Arts was screened – it is about time that Las Vegas has a place for it talent to thrive, be showcased and be among the world’s noted placed for cultural performance enrichment.  It will be located in the thriving and expanding downtown area – an area that was the vision and hard work of Mayor Oscar Goodman.

 

The Bellagio won for the Best Hotel and Hotel Attraction (the Fountains).  From the day it broke ground, and even before it started construction (with the implosion of The Dunes) – many people were looking forward to this gracious and elegant resort and casino to appear and take the helm on the Las Vegas Strip.  It is modeled after the Lake Como Resort in Italy, has the best of the best inside, and is a place we always take our out-of-town visitors.  Friends, relatives, all have set The Bellagio as our meeting place and wandering through the phenomenal conservatory has always been an indulgence that remains fresh every season, every year, every time it is experienced.  The food is the best and was cited as the Best Buffet and Hotel Coffee Shop in the awards.  Kudos to the Bellagio, our personal favorite place for ambiance on the Strip.

 

The event kept moving at a pace that did not leave us tired, but happy – a successful ceremony and CONGRATULATIONS to all of the recipients of the 2008 Best of Las Vegas Awards.

 

Joanne Downey of the Review Journal did a great job of promoting and putting this event together – which is not an easy task to undertake so successfully.

 

And now – what awaits us in 2009 – the voice of the local residents is heard – where will we go this year???  Who will be 2009’s winners?  One thing to always remember, in this city, the local resident has a say in what is best about our town!