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Clouds cool Summerlin July 4th parade crowd

Thousands of Las Vegans got a brief break from the sweltering heat just in time for Summerlin’s Fourth of July parade.

They awoke to an overcast sky and temperatures in the low to mid-90s — almost comfortable for this time of year in Las Vegas — for the 21st annual parade.

Clark County’s biggest Independence Day parade, which was expected to draw more than 35,000 people to the planned community in the city of Las Vegas, included more than 70 floats, inflatable balloons, bands and performance groups.

The newest attractions included Aladdin’s magic carpet float, Jurassic Adventure 30-foot T-Rex inflatable balloon, a 35-foot helium “Mighty Mouse” balloon and “The Indiana Jones Experience” float.

In the parade’s early years, however, there were no floats or inflatable balloons to be found.

“It was just a pack of kids on decorated bicycles and it’s slowly evolved,” said parade volunteer Jennifer Wright. “We come up with a new theme each year and this year’s theme is movement.”

Attendees decked out in red, white and blue lined the parade route, which began at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in The Trails village of Summerlin.

The parade route had plenty of children, who smiled and pointed to floats, balloons and performers as they rolled, floated and walked by.

Las Vegas resident Kim Crisp said if she’s in town on July 4, Summerlin is where you’ll find her.

“This is one of the better parades because it’s so big,” she said. “Also, no one goes outside here in the summer because it’s so hot, so it’s great to see everyone who lives here come out and celebrate.”

Tom Hunsaker of Las Vegas brought his family, friends and neighbors to the parade because of the event’s reputation of being community-oriented.

“There’s a broad spectrum of what our community represents,” he said. “For years we’ve always turned to parades to celebrate achievements and it’s nice to celebrate this way.”

Tom Warden, senior vice president for Summerlin, a sponsor of the parade, said watching children enjoy the festivities is the best part.

“If you look at the kids’ faces when the performers, floats and inflatable balloons come by, they’re awestruck,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see them creating memories as they celebrate our nation’s birthday.”

Anne-Marie Raskin watched the parade with her husband and two children, 2 years old and 8 months old.

“Parades are part of our history and I wanted to pass that along to my children,” she said. “I remember going with my parents and grandparents and it’s a great way to celebrate our independence.”

Linda Fong said she hasn’t missed a July 4 parade in six years.

“I love the music, performers and watching all the kids,” she said. “It’s a time to get together and show our patriotism.”

First- generation American, Las Vegas resident Guillermo Rodarte said observing July 4 is special to him.

“It means a lot because back in Mexico there’s a lot of violence going on and not to have to worry about that here is amazing,” he said. “I’m also able to show my daughter how the community comes together for this holiday.”

After Southern Nevadans wrap up their barbecues and pool parties, fireworks will be taking place across the valley throughout the evening.

On the Strip, the Stratosphere will launch fireworks from its property at 9 p.m. Caesars Palace will fire off its fireworks display at 9: 15 p.m.

Stations Casinos properties will shoot off fireworks from Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson and Red Rock Resort in Summerlin at 9 p.m.

Both the City of Henderson and Boulder City will host fireworks shows at 9 p.m.

If you’d rather experience fireworks without all the noise, Fremont Street Experience will have virtual fireworks on display on the Viva Vision canopy between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.

After the Summerlin parade wrapped up, the Summerlin Council, the parade organizer and nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association, had the grueling task of tearing down the floats and putting them into storage for next year.

According to Kelly Cawood, communications coordinator for Summerlin Council, parade planning will resume again in January.

“Every year we evolve into something new,” she said. “We try to change things up to what’s current and try to incorporate everything we can into one parade so everyone’s entertained.”

Contact Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Find her on Twitter: @AnnFriedmanRJ.

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