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Masquerade Village to Premier

Starting in February 1997, Las Vegas will feature a new attraction that should be well worth a visit. Currently under construction, Masquerade Village is a $200 million soon-to-be retail and entertainment area at the Rio Suite Hotel & Casino.

When completed, it will include 20 retail shops, six restaurants, and a wine tasting room. The area will be part of a new 41-story tower at the casino, which will add 1,000 rooms and 30,000 square feet of gaming space to the existing facility.

All this is just dandy, but what's really going to excite visitors is the entertainment: an all-day Carnivale-style party called "Masquerade Show in the Sky." It will feature three separately themed parades and the fun part is that the audience will be encouraged to participate. The show will take place on a 950-foot track that will float 13 feet above the casino floor. The themed parades--Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnivale in Venice, and Carnivale in Rio--will last around 12 minutes and take place every other hour throughout the day. Included will be costumed actors and acrobats performing on floats that drop from the ceiling, lifts that rise 15 feet above the casino floor, and three stages.

What makes the show unique is that audience members will perform as well. Up to 25 guests will be allowed to don costumes and ride the parade floats, and have the performers mingle among the casino patrons. It's a great concept that's sure to be a lot of fun. "We invite the public into the environment and allow them to participate in the experience," said Thomas A. Roberts, vice president of retail development for the Rio. "People will stay longer--and spend more--when offered a unique entertainment experience" So next time you're in Vegas, drop by Masquerade Village and experience a new way to party. After a few drinks and perhaps some persuasion from your companions, you could very well end up being part of the show.

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