HENDERSON, Nev. - A spectacular show in the sky marked the return of Casino MonteLago. The dazzling fireworks over Lake Las Vegas signaled a rebirth.
"Tonight is a big night for all of Lake Las Vegas," said Lake Las Vegas store owner Don Saunders. "Having Casino MonteLago here is going to be an amazing entry into what's about to come for Lake Las Vegas."
Casino MonteLago went dark after the recession. Now, it's back and newly-renovated. The property is designed to be elegant, but not arrogant.
Tony Henry handed out samples from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on the casino floor. Her Lake Las Vegas business suffered when the casino closed 14 months ago.
"We've had a huge decline, but we've been doing everything we can to keep business coming in," she said. "It's beautiful. They've redone it. It's absolutely fantastic."
Henderson City Councilwoman Gerri Schroder is also betting Casino MonteLago's return will bring good fortune.
"This is a really good boost for our economy. It's putting people back to work," she said.
Patricia Morris used to frequent Casino MonteLago. She came back to see its comeback.
"I think it's fantastic, and I hope it takes off for all of the residents and the economy out here at Lake Las Vegas," she said.
Lake Las Vegas executives are counting on Casino MonteLago to boost business.
"One thing I can say about Lake Las Vegas is we are a community," said Bill Malone with Lake Las Vegas Master Association Board.
As fireworks lit up the sky Thursday, the community of Lake Las Vegas is ready for the future to shine bright.
Lake Las Vegas fell on hard times during the last two years, but shops are reopening and the old Ritz Carlton is now Ravella.
Casino MonteLago hired one hundred employees during the last few weeks. This is expected to be the only casino opening in the valley this year.
