LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For a lot of people his name is synonymous with Las Vegas, and on Thursday night downtown Las Vegas helped former Mayor Oscar Goodman celebrate his 80th birthday.
Goodman arrived for his bash in a classic car flanked by showgirls.
And while he's worn other hats, including mob attorney and three-term mayor, to a lot of people the hat former mayor Oscar Goodman wears best is as one of Las Vegas' most well-known ambassadors.
"I was born and raised here in Las Vegas,” said Cameron H. Miller. “And I've grown up knowing him, seeing him, watching him on television and seeing how he has changed our city."
"We love Vegas history,” said Alisa Lesuer. "And Oscar is a part of Vegas history from before he was mayor to now."
Downtown Las Vegas gave the former mayor his due for his 80th birthday.
"It was a lot of fun,” said Rob Salter. “I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn’t know what was going to be happening today, but it was fun."
Taking the stage at the Fremont Street Experience were some of Las Vegas' most popular local entertainers, including hosts Frankie Scinta and Terry Fator who channeled Old’ Blue Eyes for the party. There was a serenade from former Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Hunt Bono and her husband Dennis.
But the highlight of the celebration was the 80 martini salute simultaneously made by 80 bartenders with Goodman’s favorite gin.
“I thought it was awesome!” Lesuer said. "What can you do for an 80-year-old? The 80 martini salute, oh my God!"
The Viva Vision canopy was lit up with a special birthday collage and Freed's bakery stayed on theme with a larger than life cake for the man who -- even at 80 -- still seems larger than life, showing his appreciation while still keeping us on our toes.
"The people of Las Vegas are the greatest people in the world," Goodman said before leaving for dinner at his restaurant.
“We don’t have the kind of crap that they have back in Washington, calling anybody names and putting people down, because we all love each other. We wouldn’t put up with this stuff. And I’m filing for president tomorrow thank you!”
