Laughlin Buzz Picks of the Week, November 1-3 2013

David Spade has a show at the Edgewater on Saturday, the USA BBQ event takes place at the Riverside on Friday and Saturday and the 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday at 10am in Bullhead City just across the River from Laughlin. 

5th Annual Veterans Day Parade

The parade starts at at 10 am at the Riverview Mall.  From there it goes south along Miracle Mile and ends at at Marble Canyon Drive.  Miracle Mile will be closed to traffic during the parade.

DAVID SPADE

at the Edgewater Casino E Center

Saturday, November 2. 8 p.m.; doors open 6:30 p.m.   Ticket info here

USA BBQ Championship 

at the Riverside Resort  (South Parking Lot)

Free Admission
Smoke on the Water has put up a $100,000 purse plus a grand prize of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Twin Cab Pick Up Truck to the winner of the Riverside Resort championship

Friday, November 1

• Gates open at 11 am with World Champion rib and BBQ vendors open until 7:30 pm
• Pork grilling demonstration—with free sampling (noon-12:30 p.m.)
• Music on the Miller Lite Stage by 3 Digit IQ (12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• Brisket grilling demonstration—with free sampling (2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
• Chicken grilling demonstration—with free sampling (4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
• Music on the Miller Lite Stage by The Marvelous Mustangs (4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, November 2

• Gates open at 11 am with World Champion rib and BBQ vendors open until 8pm
• Pork grilling demonstration—with free sampling (noon-12:30 p.m.)
• Music on the Miller Lite Stage by Groove, Inc. (12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• BBQ judging takes place in Judges Tent near stage (noon-2:30 p.m.)
• Brisket grilling demonstration—with free sampling (2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
• People’s Choice pork judging (2 p.m.-4 p.m.)
• Chicken grilling demonstration—with free sampling (4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
• Music on the Miller Lite Stage by 3 Digit IQ (4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.)
• USA BBQ Championship Awards Ceremony (5 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
• Music on the Miller Lite Stage by 3 Digit IQ (5:45 p.m.-8 p.m.)

Visit the Laughlin Labyrinths

If the weather is nice, you want to get off Casino Drive for awhile and you like the outdoors take a short hike up and see the Laughlin Labyrinths.   More Info and Pictures Here

Follow Laughlin Buzz on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest recommendations in Laughlin. 

All opinions expressed are our own and from our personal experience.  Views and information is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes only.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.

2013 Laughlin International Film Festival Winners

 Laughlin International Film Festival Winners for 2013  

The 2nd annual Laughlin International Film Festival wrapped up its four-day  event with an Academy Award style ceremony at the Tropicana Laughlin's Pavilion Ballroom.

Official LIFF 2013 Awards Winners are:

LIFF 2013 Grand Jury Prize
Antarctica: A Year on Ice (92min.) 
Directed by Anthony Powell

LIFF 2013 Director Award
Director Cole Mueller
Magic Hour

2013 U.S. LIFF PICK
Red Wing 
Directed by Will Wallace
Produced by Integrity Productions
This was the festival's opening night film and stars Breann Thompson, Glen Powell, Cathy Diane Tomlin and Nikki Voss. The film also starred Hollywood actors Bill Paxton, Frances Fisher and Luke Perry.

2013 International LIFF PICK
Pandemonia  
Directed by Daniel Moreno

Best U.S. Narrative Feature Film
California Winter  
Directed by Odin Ozdil

Best U.S. Documentary Feature Film
Prison Through Tomorrow's Eyes  
Directed by Paul Sutton

Best U.S. Narrative Short Film
Idiot
Directed by Aaron Harvey

Best International Narrative Feature Film
Choosing Signs  
Directed by Owen Dara

Best International Feature Documentary
Ladder in the Lions’ Den  
Directed by Bernhard Rammerstorfer & A. Ferenc Gutai

Best International Narrative Short Film
Der Räuber
Directed by Felix Schaffert

Best University Film - Tropicana PICK
Homemade
Directed by Lior Sagi

Best University Film – LIFF PICK
La Familia de Sofia
Directed by Alexandra Parral

LIFF Best Drama
Blood Brothers
Directed by Jason Miller & Seth Savoy

LIFF Best Comedy
Blackhearts  
Directed by Malani Coomes             Watch trailer here

LIFF Best Thriller / Horror
The Appearing   
Directed by Daric Gates

LIFF Best Lead Actor Performance
Robert Nolan
“Mourning has broken”

LIFF Best Lead Actress Performance
Jessica Lancaster
“Choosing Signs”

LIFF Storytelling Achievement Award
DAM 999  
Directed by Roy Sohan

LIFF Cinematic Achievement Award
For the Love of Nothing
Directed by Alissa Davis

LIFF Outstanding Production Value Award
Paris After The War
Directed by Mark Lessley & Luis Navarro

Best Youth Film
The Painted Girl
Directed by Ben Kadie

Best Music Video
AZHIA 'Lonely’
Directed by Alethea Rooth

Best Animation Film
Ed
Directed by Gabriel Garcia

Best Experimental Film
Rubicon or Let's talk about Hell  
Directed by Frank Gelmeroda

Best Sound Track / Score 
Choosing Signs (87min.)
Directed by Owen Dara

Best Television Pilot 
Wilmer the Immigrant Dog - Pilot
Directed by Wilman Vergara II

Best Local Film
Dream Date
Directed by Brian Brown
The dream sequence film was shot on location in Kingman and   California.  The film stars local actors Isaac Lopez and Angela Williams, with award winner Peter Helm and Hollywood action star Danny Trejo. Peter Helm attended the film unveiling and received a special recognition award from Brian Brown and LIFF co-founder Mara Karsen for his support of the Laughlin Film Festival.

Special LIFF Bud Holland Award (Youth)
The Painted Girl
Directed by Ben Kadie


Winners announced by:
http://www.laughlinfilmfestival.com/

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Sbarro, Nathan's closed, Capriotti's coming in December

Laughlin, NV
Edgewater Hotel Casino Resort 

** 12/10 Update:  Capriotti's is set to open on 12-20-13!

Back in September we reported that Capriotti's was coming soon to the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin.

Construction of the space where Sbarro and Nathan's occupied has started.   Look for Capriotti's to open in December of this year (2013).  

Photos sent to us by a reader show a very large plastic sheeting in place where the Sbarro and Nathan's were.    This does nothing for the aesthetics of the Casino floor or the nicely remodeled Sports Book right next to it.  

We look forward to the new spot opening as soon as possible.  

We saw they are also seeking a manager for the new Capriotti's.  

See  

http://www.edgewater-casino.com/info/employment.html 

for employment at the Edgewater/Colorado Belle

Visit   http://www.laughlinbuzz.com   

Laughlin RiverWalk: The River Palms

Walking along the Laughlin RiverWalk is one of the things we love to do when visiting Casino Drive.

RiverWalk by the River Palms

The part of the RiverWalk by the River Palms Hotel and Casino is one of our favorites.  Located at one "end", it is the final leg of the walkway that starts at the Riverside Resort Casino.  This section is the most secluded from the other parts but is not very far beyond the Golden Nugget.   Plus you get to see the infamous Laughlin Monkey Statues if you come up past the Nugget.

During the past year they repaved the sidewalks, painted the fencing and made the entire area look very nice.

Colorado River

There are great views of the Colorado River and mountains on one side, and green grass, palm trees, and even some pine trees complete with pine cones on the other side.

The walk is spacious, wide open, clean, nicely landscaped and runs right past the hotel, bottom floor of the Casino, Denny's and just up the steps the pool area.

River Palms Hotel Tower

It extends all the way to the official end of the RiverWalk.    The walk does not extend to Harrah's Laughlin, which can be seen over the rocks and hill.    Recently a sign has been placed at the end, indicating no Trespassing/Private Property beyond the end of the sidewalk.  Previously, quite often we saw people back there exploring.  Plus a few snakes sunning themselves.  We don't recommend venturing past the end now, especially since it is posted.

Coming to the end of the RiverWalk

End of RiverWalk.  Harrrah's can be seen in the distance.

Be careful at night, every time we have been out there we have seen skunks and raccoons.  Don't feed them and avoid them and they should leave you alone.  The last time a family of raccoons kept coming toward us so we had to quickly give them the right of way and cut into the Casino.

The Laughlin River Taxi also makes a stop right at the River Palms.  Tickets can be purchased one way or an all day pass.

 

The sale of the River Palms to M1 Gaming out of Reno is pending.  With any luck the new owners will continue to make their part of the RiverWalk a jewel on their property.    Subscribe or join our blog to keep up to date with anything new at the River Palms or other events in Laughlin.

Share your comments about the River Palms below or if you have photos of your visit please come to our Facebook page and share!

LaughlinBuzz.Com

Laughlin Buzz picks of the week for Oct. 23-27th 2013

Laughlin Buzz picks of the week:

Events, Shows, Dining and Entertainment Highlights

October 23-27th, 2013  
Laughlin, NV

Concerts and Shows 

Gladys Knight

Harrah’s Outdoor Amphitheater
Friday, Oct. 25th   7PM

Intocable

Edgewater Casino E-Center

Saturday, Oct. 26th  8PM 

Brett Michaels

Riverside Resort Casino Amphiteater

Saturday, Oct. 26th  8:30PM 

Caboose Lounge in the Tropicana Laughlin 

Lil' Elmo and the Cosmos at the Caboose Lounge 
Tropicana Laughlin

Friday and Saturday evening

9pm-1am
One of our favorites, always a fun show!

See a video of them performing in Laughlin last year here.  

Also at the Tropicana in Laughlin     Oct 25th-27th: 

Haunt & Glow Car Show  

Annual Halloween themed car show takes place in the North Parking lot. Friday (cars on display from 1 p.m.); Saturday (9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Car Light Show and “Costume Contest at 6 p.m.), Sunday (awards in Pavilion Theater at 9:30 a.m.), Admission is free to view cars. 

For something a bit different try the Psychic Fair:

Psychic Fair  - Aquarius Resort Casino
Saturday 12noon-8pm
Sunday    11am-6pm
This sixth annual event takes place in the Aquarius Pavilion.
More than 35 specialists will be doing readings plus presenting info on other areas such as mediums, channeling, tarot card reading, palm reading, aura photography, tea leaf reading. Admission is free, reading or classes are $20 each. 


Laughlin Labyrinths

If the weather is nice, you want to get off Casino Drive for awhile and you like the outdoors take a short hike up and see the Laughlin Labyrinths.   More Info and Pictures Here

Follow Laughlin Buzz on Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with the latest recommendations in Laughlin. 

All opinions expressed are our own and from our personal experience.  Views and information is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes only.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Laughlin: Pride in the RiverWalk

Laughlin, Nevada
Riverwalk

We have one pet peeve about the conditions of the Laughlin RiverWalk.  Or parts of it. 

The Laughlin RiverWalk stretches from the Laughin/Bullhead City bridge by the Riverside Casino all the way past the River Palms Hotel and Casino.   Except for one brief stretch where you need to cut through the Colorado Belle, you can walk along the Colorado River using the RiverWalk.

(Harrah's is not accessible by the RiverWalk)

*Most if not all of the RiverWalk is well maintained, safe, and beautiful to enjoy.

Even the Raccoons and Skunks at night will generally leave you alone.  

Except....

The section once you get past the Golden Nugget and before you get to the River Palms needs some attention.  Actually the look of it is bordering on sad.  The views of the River and Mountains are still wonderful, but there seems to be little maintenance this area around the RiverWalk itself.

This is the section where the large Monkey statues holding torches stand lookout.

As soon as you head up the slight hill from the Golden Nugget, you can quickly notice conditions start to go downhill.

Just past the Golden Nugget

The nice white fencing ends as soon as you pass the Golden Nugget.  Rusted fencing runs right up until you get to the River Palms property, where once again it is nice and white. 

Trash, Bottles, Broken Glass are left uncleaned up for a long time.

Granted, right before the recent Toby Keith concert there seemed to be a small effort to take some of the weeds, bushes and trash out of the general area.    This is the exception not the rule.  Even that was only done half-way complete.

The general look is urban blight.  Most of the monkeys are broken in places. Graffiti, tagging, trash, weeds, rusted fencing, un-swept sidewalk, and a general look that lacks pride prevails.  What used to be what looks like a nice beach area is closed, overgrown and full of trash.

The large parking lot between the Golden Nugget and the River Palms has been the site of the Laughlin Amphitheater this year.  When not in use it sits as an empty lot, unused.  From what we have been told this area, including the land down to the river is for sale. There was a for sale sign on the Casino Drive side of the parking lot. This may explain why it is not maintained or kept up.

As the concert season came up, there was a minimal amount of landscaping done around the monkeys, with some weeding taking place and some gravel/rocks put in place.  Even this was not done completely and isn't kept up.

RiverWalk entrance to the Ampitheater 

Bleachers are removed from the lot when there is no concert coming up

For some reason only part of the area was landscaped.  Monkey statues are in bad shape. 

Beach Area is closed and a mess. 

Old Statues that must of been in the same theme as the Monkeys are also sitting in poor shape.

Once you are past the run down section you come to the River Palms area, which is nicely maintained.  In fact, they repaved the entire section right to the end where the Riverwalk ends.

If no one person or group is responsible for this, there should some sort of action to periodically clean up and improve the look of this part of the RiverWalk. 

That might be a committee from the town, the county, the Casinos, the Chamber, the Tourism group, or other people who have a vested interest in how the Laughlin is presented.  The town as a whole needs to show some pride in the area.  Even some basic landscaping, clean up, and perhaps security in this area to prevent littering, vandalism, and graffiti is a start.  Don't underestimate how bad it looks to visitors and tourists to the area.   We overhear people all the time commenting on how bad it looks and how sad it is that "Laughlin" lets it be this way.   What do you think?

Please share your thoughts and comments below! 

See pictures of the Golden Nugget section, where they recently cleaned up the area along the shore of the River.  

All opinions expressed are our own and from our personal experience.  Views and information is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes only.  Photo's presented are ours.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.

Outside of Gold Rush Villa Looking Good

Golden Nugget Laughlin
Laughlin, Nevada

Gold Rush Villa

We were pleased to see the Golden Nugget cleaned up the shoreline area on the Riverwalk just outside their new Gold Rush Villa.   This was a tangle of overgrowth, weeds, trees, and bushes that practically obscured the river view.  Now it looks great, not only for those who rent the Villa but to anyone walking along that section of the Riverwalk.  Music is even piped in from the "Rock speakers" sprinkled along the walk.

*Now if only "someone" would clean up the next section of the RiverWalk beyond the Golden Nugget....but that is a story for another day.

The Colorado River from the RiverWalk

Newly Cleaned up Shoreline 

The "end" of the Golden Nugget section of the RiverWalk

Rock Speakers 

Below are just a few photos taken of the exterior part of the Gold Rush Villa.    For the first time we noticed it was occupied (on the weekend of the Toby Keith concert).  

Gold Rush Villa - Outside Windows overlooking the River

Gold Rush Villa as seen from the RiverWalk

 Here is a link to the official press release about the Gold Rush Villa   (pdf file, opens in a new window)

For pictures of the interior and more details see this post from Vegas Chatter:

Will You Stay At Golden Nugget's New Villa... In Laughlin?

Keep up to date with everything going on in Laughlin at LaughlinBuzz.Com

All opinions expressed are our own and from our personal experience.  Views and information is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes only.  Photo's presented are ours.  We receive no compensation from the properties or restaurants mentioned and are not in any way affiliated with them.