Summerlin to host parade July 4

Summerlin will hold its 19th annual Fourth of July parade, a massive annual celebration that is open to the public. The event is expected to draw more than 35,000 people and will showcase 70 parade entries, including marching bands, professionally decorated floats and giant Macy’s-style helium balloons.

Several new entries have been added to the parade roster this year, including the Colors of the Wind Pocahontas-inspired float, a 30-foot inflatable Thomas the Tank Engine helium balloon, the “Star Wars” Death Star balloon, accompanied by Stormtroopers and a 65-foot inflatable brachiosaurus.

Col. Peter Ford, commander of the Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis Air Force Base, is this year’s grand marshal.

The parade is coordinated by The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association.

“Each year, as the parade gets bigger and bigger, we continue to focus on showcasing America’s culture by engaging the community on a broad level while celebrating the patriotism and values of our country,” said Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, Summerlin Council’s director of community relations.

The escort division of the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. with the main event starting at 9 a.m.. The parade route runs south from the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive, along the Village Center Circle roundabout to Trailwood Drive, ending at The Trails Village Shopping Center.

More than 500 volunteers from local schools and community groups are assisting with parade operations. Title sponsors are Summerlin and The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. QI Security Services is the premier sponsor. For details, visit www.summerlin.com.