Inaurgural balls planned in Las Vegas and Reno

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is scheduling back-to-back inaugural balls in Reno and Las Vegas Jan. 29-30 with an estimated 10,000 invitations being sent out.

But the balls are open to the public at $40 a person.

Guinn's press secretary Jack Finn said Thursday 3,000 people are expected at the pavilion in the Hilton in Reno Jan. 29 and 6,000 at the Grand Ballroom at MGM Grand in Las Vegas Jan. 30. The Reno ball starts at 7 p.m. and the one in Las Vegas at 8:30 p.m.

Black tie is optional. Entertainment will include two dance bands and the Checkmates at both sites. Hors d'oeuvre, international coffees and dessert will be served. Cocktails may be purchased.

Finn said the $40 will cover the cost of the events and there won't be any profits.

Chris Vlautin, a spokesman for the inaugural ball committee, said the invitations are going to anyone who donated, even $1, to the Guinn campaign; the people who worked for him; his friends, supporters, the many people he met during the campaign and other elected officials.

Vlautin said he's sure somebody will be missed on the list, but those who do not receive invitations, can send their $40 in to Rogich Communications, 3980 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 550, Las Vegas 89109. Or they can call 796 1773 in Las Vegas to arrange for a ticket. Sig Rogich, one of Guinn's early supporters, is honorary chairman of the inaugural ball committee. Vlautin said a tentative deadline for mailing in for tickets is Jan. 20.

Guinn's wife, Dema, said earlier one of entertainment acts would be the McGuire Sisters both in Las Vegas and Reno.

When the Guinns were married 42 years ago, the sister act was appearing at the Riverside Hotel in Reno where Kenny and Dema stayed.

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