Summerlin to hold parade float workshop

In preparation for the upcoming 13th annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade, The Summerlin Council will be hosting an amateur float-building workshop and parade entry enhancement seminar for its parade participants May 22.

The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association, which is dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents, coordinates the annual parade. The event has become the Las Vegas Valley's largest Fourth of July parade, according to the council.

The seminar will cover design concepts, construction, materials and overall parade day appearance.

The seminar will be taught by Ray Pulver, owner of Upbeat Parade Productions, a full-service parade management and coordination company with more than 25 years of experience with all types of parades from small town and ethnic celebrations to nationally televised parades.

Pulver's passion for parades started in his hometown in Massachusetts in 1977 when he volunteered for his community's Fourth of July celebration.

"I've never stopped working on parades since then," he said. "I consider myself very blessed to work in a profession I love," he said.

According to Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, director of community relations for The Summerlin Council, the decision to invite Pulver to teach the seminar was easy.

"We're constantly looking for ways to increase the entertainment value of the parade," she said. "Every year, the parade grows in size, caliber and spirit. This year is on schedule to be our biggest and best parade yet."

A new entry to this year's parade is a variety of "giant inflatable" balloons, including a 30-foot American flag sponsored by Hutchison & Steffen law firm. "We are so fortunate to have such great support from our corporate donors and members of the community," Barnson-DeNardin said.

The Summerlin Council is currently accepting applications for both sponsorship opportunities and entry participation. For more information, call The Summerlin Council at 341-5500.

Summerlin began to take shape in 1990. The 22,500-acre master-planned community is located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley.

For more information on the project, visit summerlin.com or call 791-4500.