I had the privilege to attend the grand opening of Neonopolis thanks to reading about it in John Katsilometes’s column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal (only way to keep up with the happenings in Vegas…) I was thrilled to be part of the crowd watching the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Neonopolis owner Rohit Joshi. I had time in the morning to watch the amazing life story of Rohit at https://youtu.be/UYchuPDD08Q. WATCH THIS VIDEO – it is inspirational and a tribute to this remarkable entrepreneur. He must know everyone who is anyone in Vegas, Beverly Hills, Oregon, India, etc. – especially the International shopping center crowd. He called several new shops owners and VIP’s up to the microphone, including his very own charming “event planner” Britni Shields! They all did a great job explaining this cool new venue.

I have to say that Mayor Carolyn Goodman gave a great presentation – I personally love the way she stands up for Las Vegas, knows the history, businesses, and what is right for our economy NOW! She does not mess around and I always want to cheer her on: YOU GO GIRL! See my video of her speech below.

I toured the Hate League, The Axehole, The Watch Shop, and was so excited to see that my favorite long time Dallas restaurant – Dick’s Last Resort – will be opening this spring – can’t wait. OK, truth be told, I am over 60 so really had no clue about the appeal of some of these shops but I can’t wait to show off Neonopolis to my 17 year old nephew and 25 year old son. They are literally going to flip out on the skydiving ride where they fling you through the air, the axe and knife throwing with the HOT guides who teach you to “unleash your inner viking”, the video game parlor, Cat’s Meow, Karaoke, dining, and of course – for my friends who need a shotgun wedding – THE LITTLE NEON CHAPEL !!! I’m Looking forward to visiting again soon to see all of the newly opened businesses.