Country singer and songwriter Mel Tillis will take center stage at the Riverside, Nov. 1-6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32, call 1-800-227-3849, ext. 616.

In the early 1950's, while serving in Okinawa, Japan with the United States Air Force, Tillis began performing with a group called The Westerners. Webb Pierce released a recording of Tillis' song "I'm Tired" in 1956, which prompted the launch of Tillis' musical career.

Tillis has recorded over 60 albums, and had 36 Top Ten singles. In 1993, Tillis released hit first gospel album, "Beyond The Sunset," and his most recent album, "Old Dogs," received a nomination for the 1999 Vocal Event of the Year by the Country Music Association.

As a songwriter, Tillis has written over 1,000 songs. He has also appeared in many feature films including "Every Which Way But Loose" and "Smokey and the Bandit II." One of his hobbies is painting. One thousand autographed prints of his painting Masonic America are being sold, and Tillis gives all of the profits to the foundation, which benefits speech and hearing clinics across the country.

The immensely affable laughable Bill Cosby will provide Harrah's Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater with lots of chuckles on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $45 and $50, call 1-800-447-8700.

Cosby has been one of the world's most respected and well-known entertainers and comedians for over 30 years. After tenth grade, he joined the Navy and completed high school through a correspondence course. He later took up an athletics scholarship at Temple and supported himself during his studies by tending bar, where his easy going style and witty joking with the clientele prompted suggestions that he try stand-up comedy. When he did, the legendary Carl Reiner discovered him.

In his early twenties, he appeared on many well-known variety programs including the Ed Sullivan Show. His big break came in 1965 when he appeared as Alexander Scott in "I Spy." He later appeared in "The Bill Cosby Show" in 1969, playing a teacher. In 1972, he created a Hanna-Barbera cartoon, "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," based on many of his high school buddies including Weird Harold, Dumb Donald, Mushmouth and others.

In addition to appearing in hit movies in the '70s and making some comedy albums, his biggest success was "The Cosby Show" from 1984-1992.

The Pioneer has an ongoing promotion at its bars offering free River Rick, the resort's mascot, bobblehead dolls when you play video poker machines and hit a four-of-a-kind of the day. You must notify a bartender of your hit.

World War II and Korean War pilot and author, Andrew Anderson, Captain USAF Res. (Ret.) will speak on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. in the Pavilion Theater at the Ramada Express. The American Veterans Program is free and open to the public.

The Laughlin Team Roping Finals will be held at the Laughlin Event Arena, Nov. 16-19. The United States Team Roping Championship, Inc. holds their year-end finals with top team ropers from throughout the West competing each day.

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The Ramada's Halloween Spooktacular promotion includes creepy movie sets, a $10,500 Giveaway, psychic readings, costume contests and much more.

Free-to-see movie-quality sets, ghouls, ghosts and spirits are decorating Victory Plaza's Haunted Grave Yard through Monday, Oct. 31. More blood curdling props and decorations are located throughout the casino.

The Spooktacular includes many activities starting with a Spooktacular $10,500 Giveaway for table games players, today and Oct. 28-31. You can play your favorite table games between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. and win $75 on the spot if you are in the randomly selected mystery seat. There will be a total of 140 players and you can win more than once.

For a personal psychic reading from noon to 8 p.m. through Oct. 31, look for the glowing tent in the south casino. Tarot card readings are $15 and palm readings are $10.

Halloween costume contests for $4000 in prize money will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Monday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. in Victory Plaza. First prize will be $1,000; second $500; third $250; fourth $150; fifth $100. You can sign up from 4 to 6 p.m. on the day of the contests in Victory Plaza. There is no entry fee and you must be 21 or older to enter.

Scareyoake will allow karaoke singers to wake the dead in the Grave Yard at Victory Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 9 p.m.

The Pinnacle Exceptional Driver Championship will be held at the Laughlin Ranch Golf Club in Bullhead City, Nov. 10-13. This first-time event will be taped for broadcast by ESPN. The competition showcases distance and accuracy of golf drives by qualifiers determined through local events nationwide. The first place winner in the championship will receive $50,000 plus a convertible Honda S2000. Other prizes will be presented through eighth place. Information on qualifying events can be found at www.pinnaclegolf.com. News on viewing the championships is TBA.

Triple points are awarded to Edgewater and Colorado Belle One Club members when they play on their cards on their birthday.

At the Flamingo, football fans can catch the games in the Club Flamingo Showroom. Doors open for college football action on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and for NFL action at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. Sports enthusiasts can view the games all day until approximately 5 p.m., after which time Sunday's evening games can be viewed in the Flamingo Race and Sports Book. Monday Night Football can also be viewed in the Flamingo Race and Sports Book.

During the weekend games, the Flamingo offers stadium-style food deals and drink specials - $3 16oz. MGD, $16oz. Miller Lite and16oz. Smirnoff Ice. $1 Pepsi products and $1 water. Prize giveaways include Miller Beer merchandise, show tickets to "A Really Big Shew," Paradise Garden Buffet comps, hot dogs and Miller Beer.

College football will run in the showroom until Dec. 3. The NFL regular season will run through Jan. 1. The playoffs will be held on Jan. 7. 8, 14, 15 and 22.

One more slot tournament is set for players at the Colorado Belle. The Boot Camp Slot Tournament, Nov. 11-13, is for a share of $49,900 in prize money with first place paying $10,000*. Entry fee is $350.

*The prize money is based on 150 tournament entrants and may be adjusted based on actual number of entrants. To enter, call One Club Reservations at 1-877-480-2747.

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