The Vegas Vampire

 

If you grew up in Las Vegas in the late 1960s, you probably watched the Vegas Vampire every Friday night on Channel 5 (back in the days when it was an independent channel and not a Fox affiliate.)

It was the era of spooky hosts (long before Elvira) and we had our own.  Parker sold the show idea to Channel 5 and late night Friday nights were never same.  The films he showed were mostly B and C grade horror fodder but the reason we watched was less for the films and more for Parker.  The set included a coffin and Parker had a routine that skewered local and national politicians that included voodoo dolls and humor.

The show was very successful.  Not only did his audience include teenagers around the Las Vegas Valley but the celebrities on the Strip as well.  Some even appeared on his show.

He co-hosted the local segments of Jerry Lewis' MDA Labor Day telethon and was a frequent participant in St. Judes's "Night of Stars" that local entertainment columnist Joe Delaney put together each year.

Parker also was the publicity director of Channel 5 for a few years.

So, do you have memories of the Vegas Vampire?  If so, we would love to hear them!

 

Goodsprings Daze are Coming!

 

 

GOODSPRINGS DAZE

September 24, 2011

“Celebrating our History”
First Annual
Festivities start 10am

 

Food
Karaoke
Raffle
Bake Sale
Car Show
Arts & Crafts
Games for Kids
Coloring Contest
Historical Society Exhibit
Ice Cream Eating Contest
Pie Eating Contest
Live Music
Face Painting
Silent Auction
WWII Air Show
Cowboy Roping Tricks
1913 School will be open
School History Display
Everyone Welcome
Bring your lounge chair
100-Year Railroad Commemoration
Information booths: Nature, History
“The Art of Nature” multimedia presentation by artist Sharon Schafer
Goodsprings, Nevada…..I-15 S Exit Jean, 7 miles west

                                                     For more information please call
                                          Cheryl (702) 218-6974 or Noel (702) 290-8325


                                                         www.pioneersaloon.info


                                                         www.goodsprings.org

 

Goodsprings in 1924

9/11 Memorial Tributes

Here is a list of the public 9/11 Memorial Tributes taking place around the Las Vegas Valley this weekend:

■ Family equestrian day will take place at Horseman's Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road. Festivities will start at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies followed by a "Salute to Our Heroes" grand entry, equestrian showcase and performances in the main arena. Family activities will include pony rides, a petting zoo, demonstrations and a rock wall in the park's main arena event lawn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY

■ West Coast Heroes Parade and Ceremony will start at 5:46 a.m. in unity with ceremonies at ground zero in New York City. The parade and ceremony will start at Charleston Boulevard and Fourth Street, with the parade proceeding north on Fourth Street to Ogden Avenue at 6 a.m. The parade will feature entries from first responders, military and veterans agencies, bagpipers and special performances. Closing ceremonies will start at 8:30 a.m. led by Las Vegas, Clark County and other regional fire departments, collaborating agencies and organizations. A memorial ceremony will take place at 11:11 a.m. at Police Memorial Park (Cheyenne Avenue and Metro Academy Way) led by Sheriff Doug Gillespie of the Metropolitan Police Department.

■ The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb will feature 343 firefighters and emergency personnel climbing the stairs of the Stratosphere Tower to honor the firefighters and paramedics killed in the terrorist attacks. The climb, which starts about 9 a.m., will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

■  A 9/11 Remembrance Service will be conducted at 5:15 p.m. by the Islamic Society of Nevada, 4730 E. Desert Inn Road. The service will feature a candlelight ceremony, and guest speakers will include the Rev. Gard Jameson, Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada; Daniel Bogden, U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada; and Aslam Abdullah, the Islamic Society of Nevada director. The service is open to the public.

■ An Interfaith Remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 will be presented by the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada at 6:30 p.m. in UNLV's student union ballroom, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. The event will feature keynote speaker Maureen Peckman, a member of the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security, reflective readings and songs. The free event will feature participation from various faiths from throughout the community (895-9303).

The Mob Museum is coming and other news

Good news for those who love to visit Las Vegas in the winter, especially those who visit on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day.  The Las Vegas Mob Museum is scheduled to open on February 14th, 2012, the 83rd anniversary of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

The museum has offered up one interesting number- they are expecting 600,000 visitors a year to go through the Museum.

Yes, you read that right, 600,000 people.  We wish them luck in reaching that expectation.

 

  • Last Sunday Blush, the nightclub in Wynn Las Vegas celebrated its fourth anniversary with Holly Madison acting as hostess.  Today, the nightclub announced it is closing its doors on Saturday.  Executives said they will be announcing what the new space will become in the days ahead.
  • Jet, the nightclub at The Mirage, closed on Tuesday.  The space is scheduled to re-open on New Year's Eve under a new partnership with the Butter Group, a company known for its trendy restaurants.
  • Barry Manilow's show at Paris is closing early next year and will be replaced by the Broadway show, Jersey Boys.  Jersey Boys is currently at the Palazzo and will end their run there by the end of the year.  Whether Manilow is moving his show to another a venue is unknown.
  • The Blue Man Group is finishing up their contract at the Palazzo and will move to the Monte Carlo next year.
  • The San Gennaro Festival will be held at the northeast parking lot of the Rio Hotel.  The kick-off is Tuesday.  70 restaurants, 29 carnival rides and 30 games will give festival goers much to choose from.
  • The Culinary Academy is taking over the cafe at the Springs Preserve.  The museum arm of Wolfgang Puck's empire is out and the new aspiring chefs are in.  Go check it out!