Summerlin to Host the Valley’s Largest 4th of July Parade
The entire Las Vegas valley is invited to celebrate Independence Day at the 22nd annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, Southern Nevada’s largest and most colorful Fourth of July parade (Photo credit: Studio J Inc.)
This year, Senator Dean Heller and Lt. Governor Mark Hutchison will kick off the procession. Parade grand marshals are Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt, 57th Wing Commander, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Chief Master Sergeant Shawn L. Drinkard, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the parade.
The parade features more than 70 entries, including traditional floats, Macy’s-style giant inflatable balloons, American military heroes, bands, musical groups and a variety of kids’ favorite storybook and cartoon characters. More than 2,500 people are participating in the parade and more than 500 volunteers from dozens of local schools and community groups are assisting with parade operations.
This year, several new entries are added to the parade roster, including “Avengers: America’s Mighty Heroes,” “The Fourth Awakens—Tribute to Star Wars,” “Pac Man Fever,” “Dream Big with the Princesses” and “Ferris Bueller’s Independence Day Off.” More than 16,000 cubic feet of helium will be used for more than 25 giant inflatables.
Returning to the parade include fan favorites “Aladdin’s Magic Carpet” float featuring characters riding a flying carpet; “The Greatest Generation” push-float; “Frozen Fun” float complete with live characters and snow; “Monsters University” push-float; Neon City Garrison Star Wars costuming club; Danza Del Carrizo Native American performing group; the Palo Verde and Spring Valley High School marching bands; and “A Salute to the Military” float featuring service men and women from Nellis Air Force Base. Members of the American Legion, Marine Corps League and the Military Order of the Purple Heart will also participate in the festivities.
The parade is organized by The Summerlin Council, the non-profit arm of the Summerlin Community Association dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents. The parade is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring water and wear sunscreen.
Title Sponsor is The Howard Hughes Corporation/Summerlin. Premier Sponsor is QI Security Services. Major sponsors include Children’s Medical Center at Summerlin Hospital; Station Casinos; City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation; Realty One Group; Design Works Custom Painting, Inc.; Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance; Southwest Medical; The Alexander Dawson School; and Downtown Summerlin.
WHEN Monday, July 4, 2016 9 – 11 a.m. / Escort division commences at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE The parade begins at the corner of Hillpointe Rd. and Hills Center Dr. in The Trails village of Summerlin. Participants travel south toward Village Center Circle, then west on Trailwood Drive. The parade ends prior to the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.