JULY FOURTH: Experience light shows around Las Vegas for Independence Day

Laura Tucker

17 years ago

Just in time for the Fourth of July, the Fremont Street Experience premieres a new light and sound show this week based on Don McLean’s classic 1971 pop song “American Pie.” The show makes its debut at 9 and 11 p.m. July 3 and will be part of the regular nightly Viva Vision light show rotation after that. “American Pie” tells the story of one of the most turbulent periods in America’s history, recounting watershed events from the 1959 plane crash deaths of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens to the chaos of the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the horrific1969 Manson Family murders. The song became a No. 1 hit for McLean although it ran 8 minutes and 36 seconds and was released in a time when radio stations demanded 3-minute singles. The Fremont Street Experience said McLean provided some images for the light and sound show.

— John Maltby

There are several opportunities to catch fireworks around the valley.

ANTHEM HILLS PARK 4TH OF JULY
When: 7-9 p.m., July 4
Where: Anthem Hills Park, Henderson
Cost: Free
More info.: 267-2171

LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY FIREWORKS
When: Gates open at 5 p.m.; racing at 5:45 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m., July 3
Where: Bullring, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Admission: $15 general admission; $12 senior citizens, military personnel and kids ages 6-12; $9 for children ages 5 and under
More info: 644-4444

LAS VEGAS 51S AND FIREWORKS
When: 7:05 p.m. July 2-3 with fireworks immediately following games
Where: Cashman Field
Admission: $13 general admission
More Info: 798-7825

60TH ANNUAL BOULDER CITY DAMBOREE
When: July 4
Where: Boulder City
Schedule: Pancake breakfast, 7 a.m.; parade, 9 a.m. beginning at Colorado Street and going down Nevada Highway; Damboree ceremonies and midway booths at Broadbent Park beginning at 10 a.m.; festivities from 6-11 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park; and fireworks at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 9 p.m.
More info: Official Web site

DOWNTOWN HENDERSON FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS & CELEBRATION
When: 6-9 p.m., July 4
Where: Henderson Events Plaza and surrounding area
Admission: Free
More Info: 267-2171

JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Hills Park, Summerlin
Tickets: $25 general admission in advance, $30 at the gate; $20 for children ages 6-12 in advance, $25 at the gate; free for children ages 5 and under. Tickets for the Pavilion are $100 and include food (no children allowed).
More info: 895-2787

CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS INDEPENDENCE DAY JUBILEE
When: 6-10 p.m., July 3
Where: Seastrand Park, 6330 Camino Eldorado, at the intersection of Camino Eldorado Blvd. and Centennial Parkway, North Las Vegas.
More info: 633-2650

STATION CASINOS’ LIGHTS OVER VEGAS
When: 9:30 p.m., July 4
Where: Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, Sunset Station and Santa Fe Station. The musical tribute can be heard on 96.3 KKLZ-FM, 104.3 KCYE-FM, 102.7 KFRH-FM and 720 KDWN-AM.
Admission: Free