When the lights go out at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, don’t be afraid. That’s just Earth Hour, an effort sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund to combat global warming. Expect to see the unthinkable: nonessential lights on the Strip turned off. Everybody who’s anybody is participating, including Strip casinos, the Fremont Street Experience, the Fashion Show Mall, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, Girl Scout Troop 151 in Summerlin and more.

Of course, even turning off the lights is an excuse to party. For example, the Ultimate Frisbee Team at UNLV will be organizing some glow-in-the-dark Frisbee. Thrill-seekers will get extra kicks by riding the Dark Coaster at New York-New York. Pie Town Pizza will appeal to the eco- and budget-conscious with free delivery in their Smart Car for all orders placed during Earth Hour.

And Krave Nightclub is really getting into the planet-saving spirit by hosting its first annual Flashlight Underwear Party (“Check your clothes at the door!”).

Taking the “tini” drinks to a whole new level, the Las Vegas Hilton will be serving a “Greentini,” while the Hard Rock will serve “Ecotinis.” Additionally, the Hard Rock will offer a three-course candlelight dinner at Ago and will host a 7 p.m. twilight poker tournament in the Poker Lounge.

Desperately seeking talent

Blame it on the economy, but it just doesn’t seem like Vegas is attracting the same caliber of stars it did during the boom days. Since most stars are paid for their visits, Vegas should be celebrated as a model of bargain shopping. Here are just some of the budget (i.e., trashy) stars that have recently graced the rusting carpets of Sin City:

- Redefining singing “talent,” Hawaiian Tropic Zone (a repeat offender) hosted former American Idol contestant Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell. Are we missing something, or is this lady only famous for auditioning in a bikini?

- Paris Hilton has been making a stir filming her best-friend-finding reality show at the Hard Rock. While Hilton’s trashy status is debatable, there’s sure to be some trash among her friend-hopefuls.

- If your most recent claim to fame is being on a rehab reality show, then you’re automatically in the low-class territory. Model and Sober House star Amber Smith hosted a night at Hawaiian Tropic Zone (where else?), where she tried not to send too many mixed messages about drinking.

- Ironically, the trashy rule goes both ways. Porn star Katie Morgan’s trash status was averted by her association with Cirque de Soleil’s Zumanity cast, when they co-hosted the Erotica Ball at Lavo.