Bear River Casino Opening Draws Crowds

As reported by the Eureka Reporter: "The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria's Bear River Casino and its parking lot filled to their maximum capacity on Wednesday, leading to some traffic and neighborhood problems.

"'(Last night's grand opening) was a fantastic success, said Art Collins, Bear River Casino's marketing manager. "There were many more people than we could possibly accommodate. The response from Humboldt County has been absolutely overwhelming.'

"Traffic jams ensued and some people who could not find available parking spots at the casino parked their cars along Singley Road and onto U.S. Highway 101.

"…When the casino filled to its maximum capacity, people had to wait for others to leave the casino before they could enter.

"Some people waited two hours to get into the casino, Collins said.

"Inside the casino, there were long lines of people waiting to eat at the Rivers Edge restaurant, purchase drinks at the Thirsty Bear Sports Bar and Grill and to sign up for membership in the casino's players' club…"