Fireworks will light the sky tonight

The public is invited to celebrate Independence Day today at the 15th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade -- the valley's largest Fourth of July parade featuring more than 60 entries including traditional floats, Macy's-style giant helium balloons, performing groups, bands and a variety of kids' favorite storybook characters.

Summerlin Sam, the community's jackrabbit mascot, will be back in his patriotic vest and hat.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on 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 will end at the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane.

Major sponsors of this year's parade include Summerlin and its developer, The Howard Hughes Corp., Securitas, Clear Channel and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

For more information, call 7341-5500 or visit summerlin.com.