Parade celebrates Fourth of July

More than 40,000 people are expected to celebrate Independence Day at the 18th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, Southern Nevada's largest and most colorful Fourth of July parade. The parade is July 4 in The Trails village of Summerlin.

The escort division starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by the parade at 9 a.m. Parade-goers are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, wear sunscreen and stay well hydrated.

The parade begins at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in The Trails village of Summerlin. Participants travel south on Hills Center Drive toward the Village Center Circle roundabout before heading west on Trailwood Drive. The parade ends at the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.

More than 60 entries will be featured in this year's parade, including traditional floats, Macy's-style giant helium balloons, exciting bands and performing groups, and a variety of kids' favorite storybook and cartoon characters.

New to this year's lineup is a giant Lorax inflatable balloon, which is making its national debut at the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade. This inflatable, created in honor of Dr. Seuss' 1971 book that inspired the recent Universal Studios movie "The Lorax," is sponsored by Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

Other new inflatables include a 30-foot cowboy boot accompanied by dancing cowboys and cowgirls, a 20-foot Viva Las Vegas Elvis and a 10-foot Benjamin Franklin, representing the country's founding fathers.

Traditional parade entries include Spirit of '76, Visions of Candyland, Under the Sea Jubilee, A Tribute to Lady Liberty and An All Star Salute to the Military.

According to Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, director of community relations for the Summerlin Council and organizer of the annual parade, all entries must be patriotic or entertaining in nature.

"We want parade attendees to be excited about the culture and history of our country - that's the primary mission of the parade," she said. "We can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and patriotism when we see thousands of valley residents lining the parade route to celebrate this day with us."

The parade is coordinated by The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents. A representative from Nellis Air Force Base will serve as the parade's grand marshal. Personalities from KLAS-TV8, including Sherry Swensk, and Clear Channel will serve as emcees. For more information on the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, call 341-5500 or visit www.summerlin.com/events.