Page 23 - December 2006 • Southern California Gaming Guide

December 2006 Tribes in the News
Marines Enjoy Thanksgiving “Operation Turkey” at Harrah’s Rincon
F or the second consecutive year, Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort held “Operation Turkey” on anksgiving Day. e casino hosted 150 Marines from Camp Pendleton for a complete anksgiving dinner with all the trimmings—served by members of the H.E.R.O. (Harrah’s Entertainment Reaching Out) volunteer
team—and a special performance by the gorgeous I-Candy dancers.
bu et, football games were shown on several plasma screens, and pool, ping-pong and air hockey games were available, as well as telephones so the Marines could take a few minutes to call their families back home. After the bu et, the I-Candy dancers took
the stage and followed with a post- show “Meet and Greet” where the Marines could have photos taken with the dancers. And the guests of honor made the return trip to Camp Pendleton, each with a
box lunch for their late night “munchies” and great memories of a Happy anksgiving spent at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort.
“We had a great time hosting our Operation Turkey last year,” explained Janet Beronio, senior vice president and general manager. “And we heard that the Marines we hosted last year had a great time, too so there was no question that we wanted to do it again this year. It won’t be like having anksgiving at home, but hopefully it will give them some happy holiday memories. And for us it’s a chance to show them how much we appreciate all they are doing for our country.”
e Marines were picked up by two tour buses from Sun Diego Bus Company.
e company’s owner, Rich Illes, donated the buses for the day also to show his company’s appreciation and support for the troops. At Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort,
e Pavilion was turned into a large dining room for the occasion. A anksgiving bu et was set up at noon with turkey and all the trimmings. During the
Celebrate California Indian Culture at the 10th Annual
WJinter Gathering Powwow
oin in the celebration at the 10th Annual Winter Gathering Powwow, presented by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians on December 8–10 outside on the grounds of Spotlight 29 Casino
in Coachella.
e powwow includes drum contests, traditional bird singing and
dance contests, peon games, arts and craft sales and fantastic food. Southern California tribal casino hosts have spectacular powwows that give a glimpse into Native American culture and traditions and
are not to be missed. Admission is free, and guests will receive a commemorative T-shirt with a $5 donation. Please note that alcohol is not permitted at powwows, and remember to ask permission before you take photos of tribal members in their
regalia. For more information call 360-303-8804.
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December 2006
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
Page 23
Southern California Tribes in the News