Las Vegas flavor is coming to Hermiston as the Wine and Cheese Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 8.

The 32nd annual festival will feature a Viva Las Vegas theme complete with gaming tables, contests and a Vegas-style buffet.

We just thought it would be a lot of fun to change the theme and do it up big and make it exciting for people to come out in Hermiston and get a little taste of what its like to be in Las Vegas, chamber director Debbie Pedro said. Its going to be a lot of fun.

Tickets for the festival are $18 and include admission, dinner provided by Fiesta Foods and wine and beer tasting from 7-9 p.m.

After 9 p.m., the Pheasant Bar & Grill will offer a no-host bar.

The Shades will provide live entertainment, and gaming tables will be available throughout the evening, according to Chamber administrative assistant Angie McNalley.

Were encouraging people to come dressed as their favorite Vegas icon, and there will be a costume contest, she said.

Attendees may also participate in a contest for highest stiletto heels and can win a chance to spend time in the money booth.

The money booth blows it all around so you can grab money. Some of its real, some of its not, and you only have a certain amount of time to grab as much as you can, McNalley said.

By filling out the top portion of the ticket, attendees will also receive an automatic entry into a drawing for a trip for two to Las Vegas, including airfare and a $500 entertainment book with show vouchers and free casino play.

Those not attending the event can also purchase tickets for a raffle to win an identical trip.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office for $1, and you do not need to be present to win.

1360AM KOHU is the event title sponsor, and other sponsors are: Tom Denchel Ford Country, Fiesta Foods, Safeway, Old West Federal Credit Union, Hermiston Herald, East Oregonian, River Point Farms, Lifetime Vision Source, O So Kleen, Wildhorse Resort and Casino and Columbia Orthodontics.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at 541-567-6151.