Lake Mead National Recreation Area has awarded a contract to the national company Aramark to operate the park's sightseeing boat tours.

Aramark already runs hospitality services at state and national parks around the country, including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Denali National Park & Preserve.

The contract is for 10 years. Aramark will operate the tours for a minimum of twice a day, five days a week March through October. The tours will also operate once per day, four days a week February through November

Lake Mead Cruises has operated the service for the past 25 years; however, the owners decided not to bid on the new contract.

Aramark will continue to offer snacks and drinks on the vessel and at the landing facilities. 

Already the primary sponsor of the marathon in Las Vegas, Zappos is jumping behind another major outdoor athletic event.

Zappos will be the platinum title sponsor of RTC Viva Bike Vegas 2013 Gran Fondo Pinarello Sponsored by Zappos.com, a cycling event that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The event, put on by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, is expected to attract between 2,500-3,500 cyclists. Proceeds from the ride will benefit four local charities: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, Communities in Schools of Nevada and Nevada Child Seekers.