When I was first getting into the industry in 1997, the Rio was the place to be when there were adult conventions in town. The spacious rooms could sleep seven or eight sprawled across the bed, couches, and floor, and the five-feet-off-the-ground window between the bathroom shower and the living room added a naughty supplement to the obligation of bathing.

In the casino and public areas the vibe was more subdued. Although you would need scientific instruments to tell the difference. I remember a lesbian wedding that took place in one suite, and when it was over and about 20 of us piled in the elevator to head back to the casino, I heard a low-pitched giggle and looked up at the mirrored ceiling to see a pornchick on her knees gleefully blowing a porn stud she had been eyeing all evening. On the ding signifying the arrival at casino level they both sauntered out of the elevator as if nothing had happened while the rest of us were catching our breath.

The casino's Ipanema Bar was a hubbub of activity night and day, often so crowded that it was literally impassible. I remember chatting with a long-haired would be porn stud there, and although I knew the odds against making it as male talent were pretty steep I didn't discourage him but gave him my card and told him to call me when he got to L.A.

You may have heard of him. Evan Stone.

Nothing lasts forever, and neither did the raucous days at the Rio. The place was bought by the straight-laced Harrah's and rechristened the "Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino," complete with ampersand, and Party Central for the adult industry moved to the Venetian, or at least the Oculus Bar in the Venetian casino.

A small glimmer of the Old Days at The Rio is coming back, with the addition of the topless "Sapphire pool" which is named for a local strip club — and where the club's strippers are encouraged to even out their tan lines. On Saturday, Wicked Pictures contract performers Jessica Drake, Kaylani Lei and Mikayla Mendez will be hosting Sapphire's Wicked Fourth Of July Party from 7-10 p.m. there. Cover is $20 and there will be giveaways of Wicked shirts, hats, and DVDs; personal autograph and photo opportunities; drink specials, Hip Hop and Top 40 sounds from sexy Vegas icon DJ Girl 6, and a perfect vantage point for viewing the Vegas fireworks.

The Rio All-Suite Resort & Casino is located at 3700 West Flamingo Road in Las Vegas.

Tell Jessica that Tod said hi.