Boom Box Parade, Winter Fest, and Tree Lighting

Christmas and Holiday Events in Laughlin and Bullhead City

Even though Christmas items have been in the stores since August and Thanksgiving hasn't even happened, Christmas events in the area are gearing up.

Bullhead City will kick off the Holiday season with the 18th annual Boom Box Parade on December 4th.  The parade is along Hancock Road in Bullhead City, AZ and begins at 6pm*

The parade route is:
East on Hancock, starting at River Gardens, to Trane and then right on Trane to City Hall. .

The Boom Box Parade theme this year is “The Spirit of Giving”.

The Bullhead City Winter Festival is part of the Holiday events on December 4th as well.  The Winter Festival takes place at the Riverview Mall and this year's theme is  “Frosty the Snowman and Friends.”  Santa will light the Christmas tree, and will be handing out Cookies, and Cocoa, along with a small gift for each child. Santa will also be reading "Frosty The Snowman".

Officially, the Winter Fest is listed as 5-9PM*, but most activities such as Santa's arrival happen after the Boom Box Parade.

The Riverview Mall is located at 2350 Miracle Mile in Bullhead City

*The times listed for the parade and festival are Arizona Time (MST) and are one hour ahead of Nevada and California.

In Laughlin, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Sunday, December 6th at 4:30PM (Nevada time) The event takes place at Mountain View Park on Needles Hwy.

Festivities will include a visit by Santa Claus, performances by local school bands and chorus, and the movie Arthurs Christmas will on an outdoor screen. Hot chocolate, cookies and coffee will be served.


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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.   Dates, details, times, events, are the sole 

responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, 

events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

A visit to Bubba Gump's in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Located on the Riverwalk level of the Golden Nugget Laughlin

In addition to the inside restaurant and bar they feature a covered outdoor deck and dining* right on the Colorado River.  

After a long period of seldom playing at the Golden Nugget Laughlin we recently revisited it.  One afternoon we stopped in to Bubba Gump's to grab a bite to eat.It was Happy Hour but we didn't take advantage of it.  If we had our tab would of been a bit smaller.   

Happy Hour is only offered at the bar area. 

We ordered two Coronas, a shrimp cocktail and a Forrest's Seafood Feast to split.  

  

The shrimp cocktail was good, the cocktail sauce was even better.  

6 shrimp instead of 4 or 5 as is normally seen now in most restaurants.  

The feast was a good sampling and was also very good.   

The hush puppies were excellent and the Remoulade dipping sauce was very good.  

Coronas were only $4.50 each, not a bad price.  Caution, watch the drink prices for some of their specialty drinks.  Especially those that don't have prices listed.  If the cost is a concern to you be sure to ask first before you order.   Some of them can be very pricey--even if you do get to keep the souveneir cup or glass.   Drinks could easily exceed the food if you have more than one. 

With a tip our bill was over $50 for two.  Not exactly a bargain considering we had one main entree to split and one appetizer, with two beers.     Next time we will check out the Early Bird Menu.  

Or better yet sit at the bar and have a couple appetizers and drinks during happy hour. 

Service was good and fairly fast, although the staff no longer seems to do the "tourist" 

Forrest Gump style routines they did when it first opened.  Which is fine with us.  

Outdoor Deck on the Colorado River 

*In the summer on the deck they have misters and in the winter a firepit and outdoor heaters. At times the caddis flies are a bother, they have been more this year than any other we recall.  Birds like to visit too but the staff does a good job of keeping them away and the area clean.

  

There are some good choices on the early bird menu.   

Early Bird Menu

(subject to change, check ahead)

The Happy Hour is in the Bar area only.  

(subject to change)

  

Link to the regular menu

http://www.bubbagump.com/pdf/menus/BGLN.pdf

Hours (currently listed on their website, always check ahead).

Dining Room:

Sunday - Thursday:  11am - 9pm

Friday & Saturday:  11am - 10pm

Bar Area Happy Hour:

Monday - Friday:  3pm - 7pm

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The review is based on our own experience and yours may differ.  Dates, menus, times, events, times, are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Recent Pictures of Laughlin, Nevada - Avi Resort Casino

Laughlin, NV

Avi Resort Casino

The Avi has recently remodeled and improved their Casino Floor, including newer, updated slots, table games, and a poker room.  Live Keno is also offered, as well as a sports book.   If you venture outside the Casino they have a nice beach area, where they also have fireworks displays on various Holidays.  

These are a few of the recent pictures we captured (fall of 2015) by the beach and the Colorado River at the Avi.

Panoramic view of the beach area at the Avi Resort Casino in Laughlin

Mountains at sunset in Arizona as seen from the Avi Resort Casino in Laughlin, NV

Colorado River at Sunset by the Avi Resort Casino

Beach area of the Avi Resort Casino.   Often the Colorado River is low in the mornings
due to the flow being controlled up river at the David Dam.

Colorado River at the Avi Resort Casino

Bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona 

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole 

responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, 

events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Laughlin posts gaming revenue increase for September (2015)

Laughlin, Nevada



Nevada Gaming Control Board reported gaming revenue rose 1.5% in Nevada for the month of September.  Statewide gaming revenue was $916.4 million compared to $902.6 million in September 2014.   Locally, Laughlin Casinos showed a strong increase of 7.9 percent.

Clark County had a gaming revenue increase of 1.3%.

The breakdown by area was as follows:

Las Vegas Strip     -  up 2% to $504.8 million
Downtown Vegas  -  up 9.3% to $47.5 million
Laughlin                -  up 7.9%
North Las Vegas    -  down 7.3%
Boulder Strip          -  down 5.5%
Mesquite                 -  down 1.7%


Gaming numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

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All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes and are based on and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases. Laughlin Buzz is not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. 

Freedom Fest Riverwalk Festival, Toby Keith and Veterans Day Events

Laughlin, Nevada

This weekend is going to be a busy one in Laughlin.  Concerts, events, Veterans Day events, and much more.  Here is a sample of some of the things going on. 

Toby Keith 
On Saturday, November 7th, Toby Keith returns to Laughlin for the 3rd consecutive year and his second show at the Laughlin Event Center.  Mark Wills is set as the opening act. Showtime is 7pm
This is an outdoor show at the new Event Center.  Weather is expected to be in the mid 70s and dropping a bit by showtime.

Laughlin Freedom Fest Riverwalk Festival
On the Riverwalk by the Colorado Belle and Loading Dock stage.

This annual festival features All American food, beer and free live entertainment on the Loading Dock Stage.
November 6th-8th
Hours:
Fri 4-10pm
Sat 2-10pm
Sun Noon-7pm

Admission and entertainment is free and provided by two groups:
Guitars & Cadillacs and Hollywood Hillbillies!

Food and beverages will be available for sale.

Veterans Day Events and Activities

Sunrise Service - Saturday, November 7th
The annual Sunrise Service honoring veterans will once again be held on the Riverwalk behind the Pioneer Casino.  Veterans will receive a free breakfast buffet from 6am-10am at the Pioneer as well. $5 for non-veterans. 

Veterans Day Parade

The 7th annual Tri-State Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, November 7 - Parade begins at 10am at the Riverview Mall parking lot.  This is located just off of Hwy 95 in Bullhead City. The route continues south on Miracle Mile and ends at Marble Canyon Drive  

See pictures from the 2013 Parade here

Laughlin Veterans Day Ceremony - Avenue of the Flags

The public is invited to a Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. at the Avenue of the Flags (adjacent to the north parking lot of the Riverside Resort). 

Participating organizations include American Legion Post 60, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 243, and their auxiliary members. The ceremony will be followed by lunch at the VFW Post, 1510 Bruce Woodbury Drive in Laughlin. 

Over at the Tropicana there will be a military vehicle display in their north parking lot.  Free viewing and open to the public. 

Charity Poker Run at the Tropicana

In addition the Tropicana will be the site of a first annual Charity Poker Run, which will benefit veterans.   The Poker Run is being hosted by Tropicana Laughlin, VFW Riders of the Colorado River and Men of Fire CH6 

Saturday, November 7th

Entry fee is $30 Rider (includes Challenge Coin, T-Shirt, Pig Roast Dinner) 

$10 Passenger (includes Pig Roast Dinner) 

Best of Hand Prizes Awarded

Veterans - Free Pig Roast at the Tropicana 

Wednesday, November 11th.  

* Must have a Trop Advantage Veterans Player’s Card, or must sign up for one by Thursday, November 5th to qualify. Qualifying Veterans and one (1) guest receive a complimentary dinner on November 11th.

Claim Jumper in the Golden Nugget is also offering a free meal to Veterans on November 9th.

Harrah's Laughlin is offering a free buffet to Veterans on November 11th

Harrah's Laughlin 

Wednesday, November 11th

Harrah’s Laughlin is offering a free buffet (breakfast, lunch or dinner) 

for U.S. Veterans with Total Rewards card and military ID  

Breakfast (7:30am-11am)

Lunch     (11am-1pm)

Dinner    (4:30 pm-8pm)

Other Concerts in Laughlin include:

 The BELLAMY BROTHERS

 At the Avi Resort Casino in the Avi Grand Ballroom

 Saturday, November 7th at. 8 p.m. 

 The YARDBIRDS

The Yardbirds will be performing at Harrah's Laughlin on Tuesday, November 10th  In the Fiesta Showroom, which is a nice, smaller venue. They were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in '92.

 The LETTERMEN

The Lettermen will be at the Riverside in Don’s Celebrity Theatre

Wed-Sun, Nov 4-8: (7 p.m.), $30 per ticket. 

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. Dates, events, times, etc. are the sole 

responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, 

events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Harrah's Laughlin Diamond Lounge Loses it's Sparkle

Laughlin, NV
Harrah's Laughlin
Diamond Lounge

We had not visited the Harrah's Laughlin Diamond Lounge in over a year. Our last visit was fairly pleasant (details of that visit are here).

The Good 
The hostess at the podium was very friendly but after that things went downhill.

The Not-So-Good 
We dropped in on a weekday in the evening and didn't have a very good experience. The number of "Diamonds" seems to have outgrown the size of the lounge.  All the tables were either filled or had dirty plates and glasses on them.  No one seemed to be cleaning any of the tables.  After a few minutes we managed to get a table for two. There is no host or hostess on the inside seating people. At every Diamond Lounge we have visited at properties in Las Vegas there has been a host who seats you and welcomes you to the diamond lounge.  Especially when there are crowds. They do not let in more people than there are tables or seats.

In Laughlin the tables are too close together and with masses of people trying to get to the "free hot and cold appetizers". It was not very relaxing. Unlike our last visit, there did not seem to be a waitress or waiter going to tables and taking drink orders.  We didn't see it happen the entire time we were there.  In the other Diamond Lounges, this is done and they usually also have a couple bottles of water out on the tables.  The line at the bar to get a drink was also long and slow. Only one bartender seemed to be working. There were also lines to get the appetizers, which are stuffed in one corner, with virtually no where for people to wait in line.  We got the impression people were there for a buffet rather than as a lounge for a drink, relaxation, and a light snack.

For appetizers there were bread and rolls (neither which were promptly replenished), plus deli meats, cheese, lettuce and veggies to make a sandwich.  In addition, there was some sort of eggplant appetizer, tortilla chips, salsa, sliced kielbasa sausage in a linguine pasta mixed with a mushroom cream sauce, and a bean soup.  We sampled each thing to see how it was and ended up leaving most of it after a few bites.  Surprisingly, the soup was the best thing, but in our opinion not something we really would want as a hot appetizer.  The rest was very bland.  The pasta was overcooked. The eggplant creation was mushy and we couldn't even tell what it was suppose to be. There were also cookies (we did not try).

Midway between the time we were there one person who apparently had too much to drink had to be asked to leave.  At first they would not and security and another staff member finally persuaded them to go back to their room to "sleep it off".  We have never seen this happen before and most likely it was a rare occurrence.

Our impression upon leaving was we just left a crowded, dimly lit, poor buffet with a walk up bar.   A Diamond Lounge should be a place to sit, relax, have a beverage, and enjoy. Our recommendation would be to bring back the service at the tables, limit the number of people entering if it is full, clean off the tables promptly, and increase the quality of the snacks offered, even if it means offering less options.

Dirty Dishes on Tables took a long time to get cleared. 

At this time we wouldn't recommend this lounge to anyone.  Except perhaps on off hours when there would be less people looking for food.  Go for a drink, forget the appetizers.  Try to get one of the tables on the outside balcony--they have a great view of the river.

Some may suggest it was an off day. Or that they were short on staff. There shouldn't be any excuses. Consistency and quality should not take a day off.   Given the amount of play it takes to achieve Diamond status, the lounge doesn't live up to what one would expect.  Other Diamond Lounges vary in quality and atmosphere.  As we have recently visited most of the others in Las Vegas, the one here sadly ranks near the bottom.  The experience, at least on this particular day, has certainly deteriorated from a year ago.


What is the Diamond Lounge? The Diamond Lounge is provided by Total Rewards Players Club - Caesars Entertainment as a perk or benefit to qualified Diamond Member or Seven Stars Card Member.  Members can bring a guest along.  Drinks and Snacks are no cost.  To get to the Diamond level you have to play the equivalent earning 15,000 tier credits in a year.This is roughly equivalent to 1 tier credit earned for every 5 dollars played or spent in a Casears property.  15,000 tier credits would be about $75,000 played through the machines.  Seven Stars is even higher requiring 150,000 tier credits!  

If you have visited the Harrah's Diamond Lounge recently and would like to share your experience send us an email at laughlinbuzz@gmail.com  or visit our Laughlin Buzz Facebook Group page here. Comments are also welcome below. 


All opinions expressed are our own and from our personal experience for a recent visit. Information is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes only. Your experiences and opinions may vary.   We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Dates, times, events if included are the sole responsibility of the property or entity involved

2015 Community Achievement Award Winners

Laughlin, Nevada

The 18th Annual Community Achievement Awards took place last night at the the Aquarius Resort Resort.  The awards honor members and businesses that help contribute to the Laughlin/Bullhead City area.   

Sean Hammond, the General Manager of the Aquarius was named Citizen of the Year.

CAA award winners in other categories were:

Youth Citizen of the Year 
Jacquelynn O’Campo, Senior at Mohave High School

Civic Service Award
Stacey Stutsman 

Humanitarian Award 
Jessica Brown

Communications Award
Julie Fairman, Laughlin Nevada Times Editor

Community/Social Service Organization Award  
Topock66 Foundation, represented by Autumn Boyle-Robinson

Educator of the Year 
Traci Bender of Laughlin's Bennett Elementary School

Tourism Award
Laughlin Tours, LLC, Craig and Christine Young

Small Business of the Year
Regency Casino in Laughlin

Public Service Award
Cheryl DeBatt

Large Business of the Year
Sam's Club of Bullhead City

Green Business Award
Harrah’s Laughlin 

Entrepreneur Award 
Ezekiel Kesitilwe, EZYFast Pharmacy in Laughlin

Spirit of Nevada Award
Tony Petrik, Laughlin Teacher/Coach

Spirit of Arizona Award
Maureen Anderson

Spirit of the Colorado River Award
Aquarius Resort Casino

Congratulations to the award winners and all the nominees.  Great job serving your communities!

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. We received no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.  Times, venues, dates, etc..are the sole responsibility of the entity putting on the event and are subject to change.   

Laughlin Visitor Volume Down for August

Laughlin visitor volume was down 8.1% for August*.

The (LVCVA) Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that the number of visitors to Laughlin in August of 2015 dropped by % compared to the same period in August  2014.

(See the graphic below from the LVCVA report/website)

Visitor Volume was down 8.1 percent to 165,200.
Average daily room rates dropped 2.3% to $50.32
Occupancy was down 1.8% to 63.1 percent.

Overall for the year visitor volume to Laughlin is down 7% to 1,308,117.

Previous month's statistics are shown below:

-3.7     percent decrease in July (2015)
5.46    percent increase in June (2015)
1.55    percent increase in May (2015)
0.12    percent increase in April (2015)
4.5      percent increase in March (2015)
10.6    percent increase in February (2015)
-0.79   percent decrease in January (2015)
17.84  percent increase in December (2014)

*Gaming numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

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All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes and are based on and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases and the LVCVA website and statistics.  We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.