Country in the Park set for today at Mountain’s Edge

A decade of country music is remembered and celebrated today at the annual Country in the Park concert with headliner Joe Nichols and a day of festival fun.

The performance by the country music favorite culminates the 2 to 8 p.m. event at Exploration Park in Mountain’s Edge, a southwest master-planned community.

Country in the Park began as an entertaining country music-themed, family-friendly event with local bands, production numbers, line dancers and Western shoot-outs, taking advantage of the amphitheater, open space and mountain backdrop of the 80-acre park.

It’s free to attend and has continued to grow, attracting residents and Las Vegas visitors.

“Happy Anniversary to us. We’re still excited to present Country in the Park, which has become a great showcase and introduction to many for Mountain’s Edge and an annual tradition for countless others who come year after year,” said Deonna Stocker, manager of the best-selling master plan’s information center operations. “Country in the Park provides such a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy great country music, a wonderful outdoor venue and festival atmosphere, all for free.”

Las Vegas’ new country leader 95.5 The Bull joined Mountain’s Edge in sponsoring the event in 2011, the start of a great partnership that opened the door to Nashville talent who added a new “star quality” component to the already popular event.

The result yielded memorable performances by country music stars, favorites, up-and-coming talent, and reality television show winners and finalists including David Nail, Lee Bryce, Phil Vassar, Jana Kramer, Chris Cagle, Scotty McCreery, Danielle Bradbery, Craig Campbell and RaeLynn.

Nichols continues the Country in the Park talent tradition, bringing 13 years of country music chart success.

He performs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Opening for him is California native Brett Young, named one of the “Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Thrillbilly Deluxe, a local band with an enthusiastic following, kicks off the festivities from 2 to 4 p.m. with covers of hit country songs as well as classic country and rock.

The event also features a beer garden, food vendors, booths, exhibits and kid’s activities. Picnic baskets, chairs, blankets and well-behaved leashed pets are welcome. Alcohol, coolers and glass are not allowed in the park.

In addition, Exploration Park offers a replica of an Old Western village, Native American play structures and archaeological dig area and splash pad, picnic areas and the 2,846-foot-tall Exploration Peak with hiking and cycling trails and panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley.

Guests will have a chance to tour Mountain’s Edge model homes and its neighborhoods developed by the industry’shomebuilders.

Versatile offerings are from CalAtlantic Homes, Century Communities, KB Home, Lennar, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes and Ryland Homes.

Mountain’s Edge is at 9725 S. Buffalo Drive (corner of Buffalo and Blue Diamond Road). Exploration Park is south of the main community entrance. For information, call 702-898-5777 or visit www.mountainsedge.com.