Stratosphere’s SkyJump marks milestone

It’s only been three years since the Stratosphere introduced SkyJump, the thrill ride that requires riders to jump off the side of the hotel, plummeting 855 feet to the landing pad. But the ride surpassed its 100,000th rider earlier this month.

The winner, a woman from Canada, received a prize package including a stay in the Stratosphere and a free jump on SkyJump.

The ride costs about $109 per person. Riders suit up in a special jumpsuit, much like those that parachutists wear. Then they’re connected to a “descender” machine that slows the descent of jumpers. The experience mimics what you might feel if you jumped out of an airplane.

For information, visit skyjumplasvegas.com.

Dance camp

Tao at The Venetian hosted an interesting party Sunday: A bunch of kids took over the nightclub and danced their feet off.

The free event, billed as Jump for Joy dance camp, had DJs spinning music for their pint-sized dancers. The whole afternoon was targeting childhood obesity. While the kids danced, their parents received tips from Tao restaurant’s chef on how to prepare healthy meals at home and how to order them when eating out as a family.

The idea for the dance camp came from Tao Cares, the nonprofit foundation branch of Tao’s parent company. Tao’s 1,500 employees were invited to bring their families to take part in the afternoon of festivities, which included hip-hop showcases by local dance crews.

The hope is that, by holding camps in different settings, including a Strip nightclub, kids and parents will embrace the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, says Anthony Alegrete, the founder of Jump for Joy Foundation. He’s been holding these offbeat camps in town since 2009.

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Brunch Bingo

Finally, someone thinks brunch and bingo are a natural fit.

Starting March 17, Circus Circus will be the site of Las Vegas Pride Pajama Brunch Bingo. Come for the food and the $6 bottomless mimosas, stay for the bingo.

This is an extension of the popular monthly Pride Bingo event, aka “gay bingo.” Proceeds support the local gay community’s annual Pride event. Brunch starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. It costs $20 and comes with a variety of options, including $15 Champagne service or a $4 bloody mary bar. You don’t have to wear pajamas but if you do, they must be modest and cover all the important body parts. All of your brunch favorites will be served.

Brunch attendees get priority seating at bingo, which is an additional cost to brunch. Bingo packets usually start at $10.

All brunches will be bimonthly and themed “Let’s Make a Deal.” That means you can bring stuff and trade it with others. For more information, visit lasvegaspride.org.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.