Fountain Show at the Bellagio
Las Vegas, Nevada
The free fountain show in front of the Bellagio casino was pooh-poohed when it opened 1998, but gradual improvements in synchronized light-and-music-and-water-spritizing technologies have made it one of the most popular stops on the Las Vegas Strip. Explosive supershooters blast water 250 feet high, choreographed to popular and classical tunes. During the holidays, a stirring white-light hydrated rendition of Handel's "The Messiah" has been known to bring a tear to many a tourist eye.
Embarrassing lessons have been learned, and the shows are now cancelled during high winds to avoid drenching onlookers.