Summerlin site of big parade

The valley’s largest Independence Day parade celebrates a milestone this year and promises to be the biggest and best parade in the event’s 20 year history.

Joining Nevada’s 150th birthday celebration as an official part of the state’s yearlong sesquicentennial jubilee, the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade will feature more than 70 entries including traditional floats, bands and performing groups, a variety of pop culture icons, kids’ favorite storybook and cartoon characters and more than 25 Macy’s-style giant inflatable balloons.

Gov. Brian Sandoval will again join the Fourth of July parade along with other state and local dignitaries. This year’s grand marshal is Col. Brandon T. Snook, commander 99th Surgical Operations Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base.

“This year more than 2,500 people will participate in the parade and more than 500 volunteers from dozens of local schools and community groups will help with parade operations,” said Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, director of community relations for the Summerlin Council. The council serves as the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association and is dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents. “We always put our hearts into the production of this parade. Since this is a special anniversary year, we have even more exciting entries planned.”

To celebrate the parade’s history, the council hosted a photo contest in May. Judges selected a photo taken by Robert Kotchkowski in 2012 depicting a homemade bald eagle with automated wings as the contest winner.

Kotchkowski won the opportunity to participate in the parade.

The governor will join a special 150th anniversary float included this year, and organizers have added several new entries including a “Frozen” movie-themed float; a “My Little Pony” themed 25-foot tall cold air inflatable balloon; a “Jungle Book” themed entry featuring a 74-foot-long snake; and The Glamorous Miss Piggy mascot.

“Every year we add new floats and balloons, but we are happy to announce that fan favorites including ‘An All Star Salute to the Military’ float, ‘Undersea Jubilee’ float, Danza Del Carrizo Native American performing group and Neon City Garrison costuming club decked out in “Star Wars” regalia will once again participate in the parade,” Barnson-DeNardin said.

More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the parade which is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to bring water and wear sun screen and hats.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. 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, ending at the Trails Village Shopping Center.

Title sponsors of the 2014 parade are Summerlin and The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin.

QI Security Services is the premier sponsor.

Other major sponsors include Downtown Summerlin, Children’s Medical Center at Summerlin Hospital; Design Works Custom Painting, Inc.; Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance; Right Now Air; Station Casinos and City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation.

For more information, visit summerlin.com.