Barrick Gaming Corp. is a casino company changing the face of downtown Las Vegas after purchasing six area properties there. Now the company is acquiring the Golden Nugget in Laughlin for $31 million. Barrick will receive a two-year license agreement for the limited use of the Golden Nugget Laughlin name and brand.

The Golden Nugget is the smallest of Laughlin's nine hotel properties with a 32,000-square-foot casino.

The Lettermen will perform in the Flamingo Laughlin Ballroom, Nov. 26-28. Tickets are $19.95 and 24.95 plus tax.

The classic Doo-Wop band is a staple in the American musical landscape. The Lettermen first appeared in February of 1958 at the Desert Inn Hotel in

Las Vegas. From there, their feel-good music earned them 32 straight top-40 records and over 25 chart hit singles.

Among other numerous accolades, The Lettermen have sung and recorded in over 14 languages and received 18 gold albums internationally. They have appeared in over 200 television appearances. Look for the Lettermen to perform classic hits like "Cherish" and "Precious and Few."

It will be a Country Christmas at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort from Dec. 1 - 22, with dark days on Dec. 14 and 15. Tickets are $22.

Top tribute performers will honor country legends such as Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Brooks and Dunn and Tim McGraw and more. Each will perform the artist's top hits as well as traditional Christmas music.

The Colorado Belle is featuring "Great Golf" three-day, two-night room packages that involve two courses, Desert Lakes and Emerald River. Through Dec. 30, you can enjoy a 3-day, 2-night stay with two rounds of golf and more for as little as $100 plus tax Sunday-Thursday and-also receive a certificate for a free night's stay on another visit this winter. To make reservations, call 800-477-4837 and ask for the "Great Golf" packages.

The closest golf course to the Belle is the Emerald River that is two miles south of the Laughlin casino strip. Considered one of southern Nevada's most challenging courses, the winding 18-hole championship course hugs the bank of the Colorado River and features striking elevation changes, narrow fairways, undulating greens, natural desert landscapes and target greens.

The more forgiving 18-hole Desert Lakes Golf Course is just across the Colorado River in Arizona. Desert Lakes features open fairways and an eight-acre lake driving range. Both courses allow you to reserve tee times up to 30 days in advance.

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Harrah's has launched its property-specific promotion, Total Rewards Giveaway. Participants enter for an opportunity to win a sporty convertible roadster grand prize as well as Coca-Cola related prizes.

Harrah's guests may earn entries for the 5 p.m. daily qualifying drawings through Jan. 31, 2005, in a variety of ways ranging from redeeming any promotional coupon from Harrah's and signing up for a new Total Rewards card to purchasing a buffet or placing a bet.

Entries may also be obtained by sending a request, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Special Events Department at Harrah's Laughlin. Limit is one request per envelope per day and you must be 21 or older.

Five daily drawing winners have a chance to choose from five Harrah's beanie snow hats that contain Coca-Cola items: an umbrella, a fleece blanket, a sport duffel bag, a hooded nylon jacket and a poker set.

In addition, each beanie snow hat contains 1,500 Bonus Reward Credits, an invitation to the SummerFiesta Slot Tournament (which includes entry into the tournament and two complimentary nights between June 5-9, 2005); buy-one get- one free coupon for a choice between "Dancin' in the Streets" or "Showgirls;" and an invitation for the Total Rewards Giveaway finalist drawing on Feb. 17, 2005. The Total Rewards Giveaway invitation includes two complimentary nights from Feb. 16-17, 2005; ten entries for the grand prize 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster drawing; and, one entry into the Daily Drawing final drawing.

The Daily Drawing finalist drawing will be held at 4 p.m. in the banquet rooms on Feb. 17, and it is reserved solely for guests who have won one or more daily drawings. Five winners will be randomly chosen and asked to choose from five beanie snow hats containing cash and they are eligible to participate in the grand prize 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster car drawing that will follow.

Again five winners will be chosen from all eligible entries and they will choose a bucket of snow that will contain cash or the keys to the 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster. All winners must be present to win.

The Riverside will hold its annual Employee Talent Show on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in Don's Celebrity Theatre. Admission is free and cocktails, refreshments and door prizes are available. Call 702-298-2535 for information.

Acts will be performing with The Locals, who will play back up and perform during intermission. Judging will be conducted by local media personalities. Employees are competing for cash prizes and trophies.

The fourth annual Laughlin Dragon Boat Festival will be held Oct. 15, 2005, instead of in the spring. The festival will return to Laughlin following a festival in Ontario, Canada, on Sept. 24, 2005. Teams can register early, until Feb. 1, 2004. For information, call 888-679-4222.

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