See Vegas through eyes of ex-Hawai'i resident

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Travel Writer

The Greek gods shot dice for the universe; ivory cubes from Egypt are said to date from 1,500 BC. But the first records of dice being used are found in the Sanskrit epic "The Mahabarata," written more than 2,000 years ago in India.

Vance Cannon

Cannon whose trademark paniolo hat is decorated with a kolohala feather lei, is best known to Hawai'i folks for his City Lights Tour. The three-hour bus tour takes in Sin City's most famous sights, with Vegas lore and inside information entwined with chatter and jokes.

Cannon has expanded his tours and now offers day trips and overnighters to such destinations as the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Death Valley. As well as the city lights and historic walking tours, Cannon's daytrips include the Valley of Fire, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Art, Legends in Music and Red Rock Canyon. He is planning a day tour to Los Angeles' garment district which will leave Las Vegas at 5 a.m. and get back by 10 p.m. "It was originally planned for Las Vegas residents," Cannon said, "but it works for visitors just as well."

Cannon, a 1957 Roosevelt High grad, moved to Las Vegas from the Big Island in 1996. His tours began when his own Class of '57 reunion wanted to see the city lights and he obliged with a bus tour, adding the commentary himself. Today, Cannon designs his tours to fit a particular group's interests, with stories from casino operators you probably won't hear anywhere else. "This town is constantly changing and is so much more than gambling," Cannon said. "Even if you come to Vegas often, you will always see something different."

Information: Vance Cannon, (702) 892-8111; fax (702) 734-9759, e-mail vegasvance@aol.com, www.vegasvancetours.com.