Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman made a memorable final ceremonial appearance surrounded by shirtless dancers at an off-Strip resort. This event marked the end of an era for both the performers she honored and the city's cultural landscape.

Mayor's Farewell and Vegas's Cultural Shifts

Chippendales at the Rio: A Closing Act

Goodman showed up backstage at Chippendales at the Rio, delivering the final commemorative key and last proclamation. Dance captain Ryan Kelsey suggested that every Chippendales member take the key for a day, similar to how the Stanley Cup is passed around. The troupe's 45-year history at the Rio, with 22 years there, is coming to an end as they close on New Year's Eve. The show's attendance has been declining since new owner Dreamscape Companies took over in October 2023. However, the production will return on January 14 at the Mat Franco Theater at Linq Hotel. But they still need to sort out their future related to the Actors' Equity Union's announcement that the dancers plan to unionize.

Just before sweeping into the Rio, Goodman and Chipps reps Kelsy and Dio Perez also appeared at the ceremonial opening of Opportunity Village's Magical Forest tree lighting. The renaming of the campus to the Linda Smith and Christopher Smith Family Campus was announced at the 2023 Camelot gala, and the permanent sign was unveiled. Linda Smith led an amazing 38-year run as the top executive at O.V. and her son Christopher's legacy lives on through the Magical Forest.

The holidays at the Magical Forest are illuminated from Thursday to Sunday and every day from December 17 until December 31, closed on Christmas Day.

Route 91 Harvest Site: A New Beginning

Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie was the first headliner to play the Route 91 Harvest site since the mass shooting of October 1, 2017. He played for the "Christmas On The Strip" staff and a bored Santa. The festival still has many promised offerings yet to be activated, such as a walking maze made of Christmas trees with lasers and snow, a synthetic ice-skating rink, food trucks, and drinks. Although not all was in place on Saturday, by Sunday, admission was free for the skating attraction. There have been concerns about the energy and electrical issues at the site, but activations are still planned for Thursday, Friday, and December 13. The big show on December 14 will star ACM- and CMA-winning artist Jimmie Allen.

Phillips was honored to bring music to the site during the holidays and is eager to see the bright future it has to offer the city.

Social Media and Vegas Entertainment

Sphere is showing off an interesting holiday sweater worn by its yellow-faced emoji and a likely world's largest disco ball hyping NYE. This image was lifted by Spiegelworld and used in a makeshift promo for "DiscoShow" at Linq Hotel on their IG story feed.

The Docksiders at 1923 Live at Grand Canal Shoppes

Kevin Sucher is the skipper of The Docksiders, which has sold out three consecutive weekends at Noel Bowman's entertainment hovel. They are also featured in the new Max doc "Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary," although it has received mixed reviews. Regardless, catching The Docksiders is a must.

Triple Shot at the Italian American Social Club

Chadwick Johnson presents "Celebrate Me Home" at 8 p.m. (dinner at 6:30) on Thursday. He is a flawless singer and adept songwriter with a past in rodeo. Also, Zowie Bowie's "Christmas & Cocktails" show is at 8 p.m. on Sunday (dinner at 6:30) with Jaime Lynch as a guest. There is a tuxedo for the showman and ZB Showgirls from Chris' wife, Jennifer Phillips. Additionally, the family performance "Sibling Revelry" starring Christine Shebeck with her brothers Jason and Jon Marquez is at 8 p.m. on December 10. There is no dinner for this show, presented on an off night at IAC. Remember, there are no off nights at IAC. Go to iacvegas.com for more information.