LAUGHLIN, Nev.—Teens and twenty-somethings may have Spring Break, but Baby Boomers kick up their heels in January when they head to Laughlin, Nev. for Winter Break. The week-long festival, set for Jan. 9-15, offers nonstop entertainment and activities for the 50-plus crowd and attracts more than 3,000 visitors annually.

Nestled along the banks of the  Colorado River, Laughlin offers visitors the perfect mix of outdoor and urban entertainment. As one of the most anticipated events in North America, Baby Boomers flock to Winter Break in Laughlin for the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, seminars, entertainment and free gaming opportunities geared to the young-at-heart.

“Winter Break is one of Laughlin’s signature events,” says Meg McDaniel, of the Laughlin Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to it each year as our visitors have a great time participating in Winter Break activities that are designed to couple their memories of high school and university life with entertainment offerings they now enjoy.”

Winter Break events include the ever popular “Polar Bear Dip” in the Colorado River, a classic car show and rally, a sock hop, dance lessons, wine tasting, a chili cook-off, fitness classes and plenty of live entertainment.

Keeping with the Winter Break theme, the festival also includes a Senior Prom complete with a contest to compete for the coveted titles of Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming King and Queen will be selected based upon their involvement in community service projects. The prom is scheduled for Jan. 12.

Some Winter Break event highlights include:

• Chili Cook-Off on Jan. 10, 2009: The international Chili Society and Golden Nugget Laughlin host the Laughlin Regional Chili Cook-off.  Winners advance to the World Finals in  Reno to compete for a $25,000 purse.
• Car Rally on Jan.10, 2009: Many cars will compete in a car rally that will include both antique cars and hot rods.  Cars will be shown at the Tropicana Express, Edgewater and Colorado Belle Parking Lots.
• Sock Hop on Jan. 10, 2009: A DJ will be on hand at the River Palms Ballroom to play musical favorites from the 50’s and 60’s. Prizes for the winners of crazy contests and the best costumes will be awarded.
• Homecoming King and Queen Contest on Jan. 12, 2009: One lucky couple will be awarded the title of Winter Break, 2009 Homecoming King and Queen at the River Palms Ballroom.  Contestants must be over 50 and will be judged on appearance, talent and community service.
• Winter Breakettes Chorus line on Jan. 14, 2009: Dance remains an important aspect of the traditional student Spring Break, and is in line with the carefree nature of Winter Break.  Talented dancers from  Arizona, Nevada and California, all over 50 years young will line  Casino Drive and perform (more than 12,000 years of experience!)
• Polar Bear Dip on Jan. 14, 2009:  Brave the waters of the Colorado River by taking a cold plunge from Harrah’s private beach into the Colorado River.
• Senior Prom on Jan. 14, 2009:  This Winter Break favorite features John Noxon’s Big Band and promises to dazzle you at the River Palms Ballroom.

ABOUT WINTER BREAK
Laughlin Winter Break was created in 2004 and is geared toward young-at-heart travelers in the 50-plus age group. Each year more than 3,000 visitors head to Laughlin to partake in Winter Break festivities. With more than 10,000 hotel rooms, Laughlin is the perfect host for the festival which, in 2005, was named one of the Top 100 Events in  North America by the American Bus Association. Sponsored by Laughlin resorts and the Laughlin Visitors Bureau, the event attracts leisure travelers, regional and national tour groups as well as international and national visitors.   For more information and complete events schedule, visit www.WinterBreak.us.

ABOUT LAUGHLIN
Located just 90 miles south of  Las Vegas, the City of Laughlin sits on the banks of the Colorado River. Each year the resort town attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who flock to its shores to enjoy the water and partake in the many amenities and attractions the destination offers.  From riding the waves on jet skis, to relaxing on a scenic cruise, the waters of the Colorado River offer unique vacation experiences that appeal to a variety of tastes and interests. For more information, go to www.VisitLaughlin.com.