Columnist Muriel Stevens: Meadows braces for a festival

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004 | 8:16 a.m.

On Nov. 21 Meadows mall will close at 6 p.m., and then reopen for the Festival of Giving, a special night of shopping to benefit local nonprofit organizations.

This generous event will feature store discounts, gifts, door prizes, refreshments and entertainment. More than 50 retailers will participate, including Victoria's Secret, Pac Sun, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Hot Topic, Kay's Jewelers, Limited Too, Front Row Sports and many others.

In addition to great savings throughout the mall, there will be face painters, balloon artists, jugglers and strolling carolers. Free gift-wrapping, refreshments and photo ops with Santa will make everyone happy.

Admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased at numerous local organizations, including nonprofits, schools, churches and any of the 16 Silver State Schools Credit Union locations. Tickets can also be purchased at Meadows Customer Service the night of the event. All of the ticket proceeds will benefit the groups.

Meadows mall will close at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 and open exclusively for ticket holders from 7 to 10 p.m.

Kiehl's celebrates opening: Getting to know Phase III of the Forum Shops at Caesars was a cinch once I figured out the levels. There are three. Walk through the Forum Shops past the Fountain of the Gods and there you are on level 2. It was where we wanted to be. A friend and I were going to a private party at Kiehl's, a singular store that features an exceptional line of high-quality skin, hair and body products.

The original Kiehl's Pharmacy opened in New York City in 1851. According to a company spokeswoman, Kiehl's extensive background represents "a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge developed and passed on through the generations."

We entered the small shop through a velvet-enclosed "patio" set with black-clothed cocktail tables, candles and flowers. Inside were a gaggle of the best Elvis wannabes I've seen. Coiffed and groomed to the nines, they lit up the shop.

White-coated experts were there to answer questions. Guest of honor Wayne Newton sat astride a motorcycle posing for a Kiehl's ad layout. Mr. Las Vegas is looking good these days. Could that youthful skin be the result of using Kiehl's products and a happy marriage?

A sexy young Elvis escorted us through the crowd. Only in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Philharmonic and Forum Shops: As part of its grand opening at the Forum Shops, the Versace Home Collection is having a benefit for the Las Vegas Philharmonic Kids Concert Fund on Thursday. Ten percent of all sales will be contributed to the fund.

On Nov. 20 Jay Strongwater will host a sales incentive day with the philharmonic as well. Strongwater will be there in person and will sign all purchases. The Jay Strongwater shop is in Phase II. For more information about these LVP benefits, call Phil Hagen at 258-8440.

Adopt a vine, get some wine: This is for the person who has everything, except their own grapevine at St. Helena Winery. St. Helena is a small production estate in Napa Valley. One adopted vine ($80) gets you a bottle of "Rockin' Cab," a tagged vine, an adoption certificate and guaranteed access to the owner and winemaker. Visit www.sthelenawinery.com.