Marking an amazing half century, on Friday, Aug. 5, Caesars Palace Las Vegas celebrated its 50th anniversary – exactly five decades from the day it first opened its doors – with a special birthday pool party with nearly 3,000 hotel and special guests hosted by award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay at the Garden of The Gods Pool Oasis (Photo © Erik Kabik / www.ErikKabik.com).

Caesars Palace Celebrates 50th Birthday with Pool Party Hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Five-Tier Birthday Cake, Cocktail Competition and Fireworks Extravaganza
Photo © Erik Kabik / www.ErikKabik.com.
After leading the revelers in a champagne toast and a celebratory slicing of the custom five-tier birthday cake complete with sparklers, world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay introduced one of the night’s highlights, a dramatic horse-drawn chariot entrance by Caesar himself.

Gordon Ramsay with Fireworks
Embracing the Roman and Greek origins of the summer games, a ceremonial torch run followed with Ramsay ultimately lighting the impressive cauldron.

Caesars Palace Celebrates 50th Birthday with Pool Party Hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Five-Tier Birthday Cake, Cocktail Competition and Fireworks Extravaganza
Photo © Erik Kabik / www.ErikKabik.com.
Ramsay was joined by Gary Selesner, President of Caesars Palace, to officially “ignite” a colossal, 10-minute fireworks display which included an illuminated numeral 50 that proudly flickered on Palace Tower to commemorate the milestone anniversary.

Caesars Palace Celebrates 50th Birthday with Pool Party Hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Five-Tier Birthday Cake, Cocktail Competition and Fireworks Extravaganza
Photo © Erik Kabik / www.ErikKabik.com.
Following the fireworks, Master of Ceremonies and radio personality Chet Buchanan introduced the three finalists in the nation-wide Caesars Palace 50th Anniversary Cocktail Competition before announcing that J.R. Starkus of Las Vegas won. Starkus’ creation, Lazy Stroll made with Plymouth gin, Cointreau, chamomile-infused honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, egg white, garnished with dried chamomile flowers, will be served in select bars at Caesars Palace throughout the rest of the year.

Caesars Palace Celebrates 50th Birthday with Pool Party Hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Five-Tier Birthday Cake, Cocktail Competition and Fireworks Extravaganza
Photo © Erik Kabik / www.ErikKabik.com.