VERONA, N.Y. – The Oneida Indian Nation will celebrate Turning Stone Resort and Casino’s 17th anniversary beginning July 21 with special contests, giveaways and headliner entertainment through the weekend.

The Sizzlin’ Summer Giveaway is one of many events planned during Turning Stone Resort and Casino’s anniversary celebration. This scan-to-win promotion on Sunday, July 25 features $20,000 in prizes with instant prizes from 1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and a drawing at 9:30 p.m. for the grand prize of a 2010 Chevy Colorado pick-up truck or $10,000 cash award.

Other events planned include the $17,000 17th Anniversary Multi-Game Tournament which starts at 5:30 p.m. on July 21; each participant will receive a preloaded $50 free play card to use during the tournament or afterwards in the casino. Gimmie, Gimmie Gifts Giveaways begin at 1 p.m. the same day featuring free gifts with a scan of Diamond Cards at the Promotions Desk, while supplies last. The Anniversary Prize Wheel will spin at the Promotions Desk July 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Then on July 23, Diamond Card holders who earn 17 Karats receive a $25 Free Play. The Poker Player Bailout Weekend runs from July 22 – 25 – the $30 buy-in tournament has a $20,000 prize pool and more than $10,000 in live game giveaways.

George Thorogood plays in the Showroom July 22 and Rick Springfield returns to the Showroom stage on July 24. Thorogood and Springfield ticket holders also get $17 in Free Play when they show their tickets at the Diamond Card desk as part of the 17th Anniversary promotion.

So much has changed since opening in 1993. Turning Stone Resort and Casino is now a premier four-season destination and was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in the USA and Canada for 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel and Wildflowers restaurant. Atunyote Golf Club is the annual host of the Turning Stone Resort Championship, [www.turningstonechampionship.com/] a PGA TOUR event. Turning Stone’s entertainment and meeting venues include the 5,000-seat Event Center, the 800-seat Showroom, LAVA-Dance Club and the Conference Center.

Turning Stone Resort and Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or 1-(800) 771-7711.

Editor’s note: Indian Country Today is a division of Four Directions Media, which is owned by Oneida Nation Enterprises, LLC.