Covering casino news in Mississippi, from Biloxi to Tunica, on the Gulf Coast and in the Delta along the Mississippi River. Read us at www.jackpotmagazine.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
2010 Delta Day Festival is Saturday, Oct. 16 in Downtown Tunica, Mississippi
The 2010 Delta Day Festival is Sat. Oct. 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Tunica, Miss. Featuring a car show, petting zoo, arts and crafts, food, a 5K at 8 a.m. and all-day activities for children, plus music by Turn Row Cowboys (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and The Curb Service Band (2-5 p.m.).
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tunica Humane Society receives funding from Harrah’s
TUNICA — The Tunica Humane Society now has plenty to bark about as they are receiving a $200,000 grant from the Harrah’s Foundation. The grant will be used to pay for half of the cost of a building to house stray dogs in Tunica.
“This is truly an answer to our prayers,” Sandy Williams, executive director of the Tunica Humane Society, said. “From day one our goal has been to build an indoor shelter. The dogs we are housing at the temporary shelter have endured two winters and two summers in the extreme cold and heat.”
Williams, as well as other volunteers, started in August 2008 raising awareness and holding fundraisers to collect money for a new shelter, but until now, much of the money has gone to basic necessities for the dogs like food and medical care. That’s when Williams and other volunteers turned to Harrah’s Foundation for help.
“The Tunica Humane society, their volunteers, and Sandy Williams have shown great determination and resiliency in the past few years to provide a safe haven for area animals,” said R. Scott Barber, regional president, Harrah’s Mid-South Region. “Without their efforts stray animals of Tunica County would almost certainly face a dismal future which could negatively affect area residents, business operations, and infrastructure. It is our hope that this $200,000 grant provided by the Harrah’s Foundation on behalf of Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Tunica will help build a permanent shelter and lasting foundation for the much needed services and compassion this group and organization provides to our area.”
The shelter will be called the Horseshoe Humane Society Tunica, a gift from Harrah’s Foundation, and the Tunica Humane Society will continue to run the shelter that currently houses 115 dogs.
“Tunica County currently does not have a designated department for Animal Control, so we have been functioning in that role and will continue after the permanent shelter is built,” Williams said.
Earlier this year, the Tunica Humane Society applied for the Pepsi Refresh Project, a grant that the public votes online and decides what groups get $50,000 each. They are still in the running for the funding and currently ranked 41 and need to get to the top 10, so Williams encourages people who are not able to give donations directly, to go online to www.refresheverything.com to vote.
The estimated date to start construction is early 2011. The new address for the permanent shelter will be 4500 Fox Island Road in Tunica County. To find out more information about the Tunica Humane Society, call (662) 363-1625, or visit their website at tunicahumanesociety.com.
The Harrah’s Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities where Harrah’s employees live and work. Established in 2002, the Harrah’s Foundation is funded by Harrah’s Entertainment properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah’s Foundation has committed nearly $63 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States.
“This is truly an answer to our prayers,” Sandy Williams, executive director of the Tunica Humane Society, said. “From day one our goal has been to build an indoor shelter. The dogs we are housing at the temporary shelter have endured two winters and two summers in the extreme cold and heat.”
Williams, as well as other volunteers, started in August 2008 raising awareness and holding fundraisers to collect money for a new shelter, but until now, much of the money has gone to basic necessities for the dogs like food and medical care. That’s when Williams and other volunteers turned to Harrah’s Foundation for help.
“The Tunica Humane society, their volunteers, and Sandy Williams have shown great determination and resiliency in the past few years to provide a safe haven for area animals,” said R. Scott Barber, regional president, Harrah’s Mid-South Region. “Without their efforts stray animals of Tunica County would almost certainly face a dismal future which could negatively affect area residents, business operations, and infrastructure. It is our hope that this $200,000 grant provided by the Harrah’s Foundation on behalf of Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Tunica will help build a permanent shelter and lasting foundation for the much needed services and compassion this group and organization provides to our area.”
The shelter will be called the Horseshoe Humane Society Tunica, a gift from Harrah’s Foundation, and the Tunica Humane Society will continue to run the shelter that currently houses 115 dogs.
“Tunica County currently does not have a designated department for Animal Control, so we have been functioning in that role and will continue after the permanent shelter is built,” Williams said.
Earlier this year, the Tunica Humane Society applied for the Pepsi Refresh Project, a grant that the public votes online and decides what groups get $50,000 each. They are still in the running for the funding and currently ranked 41 and need to get to the top 10, so Williams encourages people who are not able to give donations directly, to go online to www.refresheverything.com to vote.
The estimated date to start construction is early 2011. The new address for the permanent shelter will be 4500 Fox Island Road in Tunica County. To find out more information about the Tunica Humane Society, call (662) 363-1625, or visit their website at tunicahumanesociety.com.
The Harrah’s Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities where Harrah’s employees live and work. Established in 2002, the Harrah’s Foundation is funded by Harrah’s Entertainment properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah’s Foundation has committed nearly $63 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States.
Four Tops, Temptations, Eddie Money, Chubby Checker, more coming to Gold Strike Casino Resort, Tunica, MS
Gold Strike Casino Resort has an impressive list of headliners coming to perform at the resort. See the Four Tops/Temptations, Oct. 16, $59.95; Eddie Money, Oct. 30, $24.95; Chubby Checker, Nov. 6, $24.95; Little Anthony, Nov. 27, $24.95 and the Tanya Tucker Christmas Show, Saturday, Dec. 18, $29.95. Tickets prices listed do not include tax and service charge. Call (888) 245-4536 or visit www.golkstrike.com for available hotel packages. Gold Strike also features free live entertainment at the Stage2 Bar on Tuesday through Saturday, including Gabby Johnson, Oct. 5-9; Randy Moore, Oct. 8-9; Dian Diaz, Oct. 12-16; Eddie Wayne Vance, Oct. 15-16: Almost Famous, Oct. 19-23 and Dani McCulloch, Oct. 22-23. Call Gold Strike for information at (888) 24KPLAY. For all the entertainment happenings at Mississippi casinos, visit www.jackpotmagazine.com.
Money Machine Madness at Hollywood Casino, Tunica
TUNICA RESORTS — Money Machine Madness has hit Hollywood Casino this month. Join Hollywood in October for a chance to grab all the cash you can during Hollywood Casino’s Money Machine Madness.
On Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight a winner will be selected every 15 minutes to step inside the money machine. If you are one of those selected, you will have 20 seconds to grab all the cash you can. Earn entries daily beginning now, with five times entries on Fridays. New members receive five free entries when they sign up for a players card, so bring a friend.
Also at Hollywood:
• Hollywood’s Silver Screen Slot Tournaments are set for Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 27. Hollywood Players who earn 25 points in one day while playing with their Hollywood Screen Test or Marquee card qualify to play in one of the Silver Screen Slot Tournaments this month.
Earn 25 points in a day to enter, or if you are 55 or older earn 10 points in a single day to enter. Entry is free for Premiere members or AARP members. Qualifying guests can pick a date and reserve their spot for Hollywood’s $2,500 Silver Screen Slot Tournaments. Prizes will be paid to the top 25 positions with a top prize of $1,000 in Free SlotPlay. Registration is from noon to 2 p.m. The first round begins at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held in the Safari Lounge following the last session.
On Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight a winner will be selected every 15 minutes to step inside the money machine. If you are one of those selected, you will have 20 seconds to grab all the cash you can. Earn entries daily beginning now, with five times entries on Fridays. New members receive five free entries when they sign up for a players card, so bring a friend.
Also at Hollywood:
• Hollywood’s Silver Screen Slot Tournaments are set for Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 27. Hollywood Players who earn 25 points in one day while playing with their Hollywood Screen Test or Marquee card qualify to play in one of the Silver Screen Slot Tournaments this month.
Earn 25 points in a day to enter, or if you are 55 or older earn 10 points in a single day to enter. Entry is free for Premiere members or AARP members. Qualifying guests can pick a date and reserve their spot for Hollywood’s $2,500 Silver Screen Slot Tournaments. Prizes will be paid to the top 25 positions with a top prize of $1,000 in Free SlotPlay. Registration is from noon to 2 p.m. The first round begins at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held in the Safari Lounge following the last session.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tunica, Mississippi hosts two Festivals on Sat., Oct. 16
TUNICA — Festivals will fill the air soon on Oct. 16 in Tunica and will be a guarantee for fun and food with Delta Day in Downtown Tunica and Romp on the River at the Tunica RiverPark.
The Romp on the River, located next to the Fitz Casino, starts at 9:00 am with dozens of artisans and crafters along the Mississippi River and dozens more eco-friendly exhibits and delicious food vendors. Geocaching, a type of scavenger hunt, Watershed Harmony, a puppet show, and cruises of the Mississippi River, on the Tunica Queen, will be offered all day, too. One of the main highlights of the festival will be the Fitz Music Circle, featuring 13 acts ranging from Memphis in May style bands to cloggers and salsa dancers.
“The Tunica RiverPark is a pristine setting for our large eco-friendly festival with the $26 million museum overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River complete with cruises on the river throughout the day on the Tunica Queen riverboat,” Natalie Wilson, the event organizer, said. “This is an all ages event with entertainment, excitement, activities, and arts.”
Ten miles south of the Tunica RiverPark on Main Street, the Delta Day Festival will get into full swing at 9:00 am featuring live entertainment at the amphitheatre stage in Rivergate Park, Mississippi Delta food, children’s activities such as a petting zoo and moon bounce, arts and crafts vendors, a 5K run, and much more for the family. One of the most popular attractions is the antique car show.
“The annual antique car show brings beautiful classic autos from all over the country to Downtown Tunica,” Lynn Ryals, the executive director of Tunica Main Street said. “The cars are on display throughout the festival, with prizes awarded to the best of each category throughout the day.”
For more information on Delta Day, go to www.TunicaMainStreet.com or call (662) 363-6611. For more information on Romp on the River, go to, or call (731) 676-0186 or (662) 357-0050.
Both festivals are free and open to the public. Gather your friends and family for a day of fun in the Mississippi Delta at Delta Day in Downtown Tunica and Romp on the River at the Tunica RiverPark.
Since its 2004 opening, the Tunica RiverPark has won 10 state, regional, and national awards, including the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year in 2004 and four architectural awards. The RiverPark is celebrating its seventh season this year. Overlooking the Mississippi River from a harbor on the eastern bank, the $26 million Tunica RiverPark is an attraction visitors shouldn’t miss. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, it is an extensive and one-of-a-kind interactive, interpretive museum that showcases the life of the river and its history, featuring aquariums, ecotrails and river boat cruises.
The Romp on the River, located next to the Fitz Casino, starts at 9:00 am with dozens of artisans and crafters along the Mississippi River and dozens more eco-friendly exhibits and delicious food vendors. Geocaching, a type of scavenger hunt, Watershed Harmony, a puppet show, and cruises of the Mississippi River, on the Tunica Queen, will be offered all day, too. One of the main highlights of the festival will be the Fitz Music Circle, featuring 13 acts ranging from Memphis in May style bands to cloggers and salsa dancers.
“The Tunica RiverPark is a pristine setting for our large eco-friendly festival with the $26 million museum overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River complete with cruises on the river throughout the day on the Tunica Queen riverboat,” Natalie Wilson, the event organizer, said. “This is an all ages event with entertainment, excitement, activities, and arts.”
Ten miles south of the Tunica RiverPark on Main Street, the Delta Day Festival will get into full swing at 9:00 am featuring live entertainment at the amphitheatre stage in Rivergate Park, Mississippi Delta food, children’s activities such as a petting zoo and moon bounce, arts and crafts vendors, a 5K run, and much more for the family. One of the most popular attractions is the antique car show.
“The annual antique car show brings beautiful classic autos from all over the country to Downtown Tunica,” Lynn Ryals, the executive director of Tunica Main Street said. “The cars are on display throughout the festival, with prizes awarded to the best of each category throughout the day.”
For more information on Delta Day, go to www.TunicaMainStreet.com or call (662) 363-6611. For more information on Romp on the River, go to, or call (731) 676-0186 or (662) 357-0050.
Both festivals are free and open to the public. Gather your friends and family for a day of fun in the Mississippi Delta at Delta Day in Downtown Tunica and Romp on the River at the Tunica RiverPark.
Since its 2004 opening, the Tunica RiverPark has won 10 state, regional, and national awards, including the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year in 2004 and four architectural awards. The RiverPark is celebrating its seventh season this year. Overlooking the Mississippi River from a harbor on the eastern bank, the $26 million Tunica RiverPark is an attraction visitors shouldn’t miss. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, it is an extensive and one-of-a-kind interactive, interpretive museum that showcases the life of the river and its history, featuring aquariums, ecotrails and river boat cruises.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Domenic C. Mezzetta, 1935-2010
DOMENIC C. MEZZETTA
October 17, 1935-October 4, 2010
Domenic Mezzetta, member of the Board of Managers of SW Gaming LLC most recently served as chief executive officer and general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort in Greenville, Mississippi, recognized as an icon throughout the gaming industry and one of the most respected pioneers, passed away Monday, October 4, 2010.
Domenic‘s extensive contributions to the gaming industry span over a period of four decades; 33 years in an upper management capacity. Mezzetta began his gaming career as a bartender at Harvey’s Hotel Casino Tahoe in 1971 and worked his way up to the director of hotel and a position on the executive board in 1977. In 1982, he was promoted to general manager. This led the way to the position of general manager at both Cactus Pete’s and Horseshoe in Jackpot, Nevada. In 1986, he was the Assistant General Manager of the Stardust in Las Vegas overseeing the construction of the fabulous 32-story hotel tower. In 1992, he relocated to Mississippi to build the Hollywood Casino Tunica from the ground up and successfully opened the $135M showplace in August of 1994. Domenic moved to Fitzgerald’s Casino in 1998, as the vice president and general manager, remaining until 2004 when he decided to pursue another career as a consultant in the gaming industry.
In 2005, Domenic was approached to take his entrepreneurial style and put his long-time industry experience to use as a consultant on a new project from groundbreaking to opening day. The Greenville, MS project required a proven veteran able to put a professional team together to plan and bring it to life. Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Domenic Mezzetta successfully opened Harlow’s Casino Resort in November of 2007. His vast knowledge of gaming construction and operations along with constant vigilance and dedication to the property is considered one of the most important contributions behind the successful story of Harlow’s Casino Resort.
Domenic served on the newly founded Tunica Tourism Commission and was an avid supporter of the Tunica Convention and Business Bureau. He is considered the driving force behind Mississippi legislature passed in 1997 to create a start-up tourism and convention organization in the Mississippi Delta. In May of 2002, Domenic received the honor of being the first inductee into the Tunica Tourism Hall of Fame.
As a concerned citizen and resident of Tunica County, Domenic played an important role in community public relations and was often called upon by the local governing authorities for advice or opinion on major decisions not only affecting the gaming industry and tourism, but also decisions that affect the quality of life for residents.
Domenic is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara, six children and twelve grandchildren. His wishes were to have donations made in his memory to “The American Heart Association” and “The Salvation Army. He was an exceptional man that leaves an impact on many lives; family, personal friends, business associates and the gaming industry will miss him greatly.
Jeff Favre
Vice President General Manager
Harlow’s Casino Resort
October 17, 1935-October 4, 2010
Domenic Mezzetta, member of the Board of Managers of SW Gaming LLC most recently served as chief executive officer and general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort in Greenville, Mississippi, recognized as an icon throughout the gaming industry and one of the most respected pioneers, passed away Monday, October 4, 2010.
Domenic‘s extensive contributions to the gaming industry span over a period of four decades; 33 years in an upper management capacity. Mezzetta began his gaming career as a bartender at Harvey’s Hotel Casino Tahoe in 1971 and worked his way up to the director of hotel and a position on the executive board in 1977. In 1982, he was promoted to general manager. This led the way to the position of general manager at both Cactus Pete’s and Horseshoe in Jackpot, Nevada. In 1986, he was the Assistant General Manager of the Stardust in Las Vegas overseeing the construction of the fabulous 32-story hotel tower. In 1992, he relocated to Mississippi to build the Hollywood Casino Tunica from the ground up and successfully opened the $135M showplace in August of 1994. Domenic moved to Fitzgerald’s Casino in 1998, as the vice president and general manager, remaining until 2004 when he decided to pursue another career as a consultant in the gaming industry.
In 2005, Domenic was approached to take his entrepreneurial style and put his long-time industry experience to use as a consultant on a new project from groundbreaking to opening day. The Greenville, MS project required a proven veteran able to put a professional team together to plan and bring it to life. Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Domenic Mezzetta successfully opened Harlow’s Casino Resort in November of 2007. His vast knowledge of gaming construction and operations along with constant vigilance and dedication to the property is considered one of the most important contributions behind the successful story of Harlow’s Casino Resort.
Domenic served on the newly founded Tunica Tourism Commission and was an avid supporter of the Tunica Convention and Business Bureau. He is considered the driving force behind Mississippi legislature passed in 1997 to create a start-up tourism and convention organization in the Mississippi Delta. In May of 2002, Domenic received the honor of being the first inductee into the Tunica Tourism Hall of Fame.
As a concerned citizen and resident of Tunica County, Domenic played an important role in community public relations and was often called upon by the local governing authorities for advice or opinion on major decisions not only affecting the gaming industry and tourism, but also decisions that affect the quality of life for residents.
Domenic is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara, six children and twelve grandchildren. His wishes were to have donations made in his memory to “The American Heart Association” and “The Salvation Army. He was an exceptional man that leaves an impact on many lives; family, personal friends, business associates and the gaming industry will miss him greatly.
Jeff Favre
Vice President General Manager
Harlow’s Casino Resort
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