Summerlin rings in New Year in style

Richard Brian

From left, Carol Johnston, Michele Moore, James Moore and James Johnston of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania participate in a New Year’s Eve bingo special at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008.

By Jeff O'Brien

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 | 1:44 a.m.

New Year's Eve in Summerlin

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Whether they were dressed in their finest outfits or sporting goofy hats and sunglasses, thousands of people across Summerlin were ringing in the New Year with style Wednesday night.

At 9 p.m. inside the Suncoast Casino, more than 600 guests enjoyed the ninth annual “New Year’s Eve Bingo Night” — an event that typically draws a more “mature” crowd, according to coordinator Lyn Brown.

“It’s a pretty big draw each year,” Brown said. “Almost all of them are locals.”

At one of the tables, retirees Doug and Judy Hansen of Summerlin — who wore feathered hats and bright gold chains — said the bingo night provided something different on New Year’s Eve.

In the Suncoast Casino’s Grand Ballroom — across the hall from the bingo festivities — tuxedos and sparkling dresses were the norm as more than 500 guests enjoyed dinner and live music courtesy of the Las Vegas Tenors.

At the Rampart Casino just up the road, Larry Naert of Desert Shores was at the Round Bar enjoying live disco music courtesy of lounge musician “Bobby D.”

“I’d rather be here than on the Strip,” Naert said. “It’s way too crowded over there.”

When asked about his outlook on the country’s economy, Naert said he remained concerned.

“It was a tough year for a lot of people,” he said. “I hope it gets better, but I think it’s going to be similar to 2008. It’s probably going to last until 2010 before we get out of this hole.”

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, younger partygoers crowded into Cherry Nightclub at Red Rock Casino & Resort to enjoy the latest hit songs and even man-made snow that drifted down from the ceiling.

Kristen Garcia of Las Vegas was inside Cherry at the exact moment 2009 arrived.

When asked to describe the past year in one word, she paused for a minute before answering.

“Eventful,” Garcia said.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com