Tuesday, July 1, 2003 | 8:44 a.m.
With the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Friday this year, officials expect a record number of visitors to descend on Las Vegas for the three-day weekend.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority anticipates an influx of about 275,000 tourists, up 2.6 percent from last year's 268,000.
"If we reach the forecasted 275,000 visitors for the weekend, then that would be the highest Fourth of July weekend on record," Senior Research Analyst John Piet said.
The convention and visitors authority bases its predictions on hotel occupancy, general market conditions and year-to-date visitor volume, among other factors.
In 2001 the authority also expected 275,000 visitors in town for the Fourth of July holiday, but only about 251,000 actually came.
"We usually fare better when the holiday falls on or near a weekend," spokeswoman Erika Brandvik said.
The crowds will have a wide selection of Fourth of July festivities to choose from, in addition to the usual full slate of community-sponsored celebrations.
Clark County's Red, White and Boom extravaganza and the Stratosphere's Fireworks by Grucci production may be the most visible fireworks displays in the region, but several major shows across the Las Vegas Valley will light up the sky on Thursday and Friday night.
Thursday
North Las Vegas will kick off its fourth annual Independence Day Jubilee with food, entertainment and children's games at 6 p.m. at Seastrand Park. The party will culminate with a display by Montana Fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring food and blankets.
Baseball fans can catch a Las Vegas 51s game against the Fresno Grizzlies at 7:15 p.m. at Cashman Field and then take in a fireworks extravaganza after the game. Admission ranges from $6 to $10.
For those who prefer stock car action, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will hold a fireworks display at the Bullring at the conclusion of the evening's NASCAR race. The fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m.
Friday
The Las Vegas Philharmonic and special guests will put on a Fourth of July Spectacular at Hills Park in Summerlin. Admission is $10 for students and $15 for adults. $50 per person will buy pavilion seats and box lunches.
Henderson will host its Fourth of July celebration 5-10 p.m. in Morrell Park, with carnival attractions, live music, contests, a craft fair and children's games. A Fireworks by Grucci show at 9 p.m. will cap off the celebration, which is also intended to commemorate the city's 50th anniversary. Admission is free.
Sunset Station and Santa Fe Station will each have fireworks shows on Friday night. Santa Fe Station will have a Fireworks Tailgate Party on the roof of its parking garage at 8 p.m., with $20 admission per vehicle. Sunset Station's 9 p.m. fireworks and Fourth of July Party will have free admission.
Red, White and Boom will run from noon to 10 p.m. in Desert Breeze Park and will include a car show, a skate park demonstration and a crafts area for children. A 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Guests are advised not to bring their own lawn chairs or beverages.
The Stratosphere's annual fireworks display by Grucci will start at 9 p.m. Organizers said the show will be visible anywhere in the valley, but guests can pay to watch from the tower or join the Stars and Stripes Pool Party on the hotel's pool deck. Admission to the pool party is $40 and is limited to those 18 and older.
Farther afield, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas in Henderson will celebrate Independence Day with a Red, White and Blue Barbecue Bash beginning at 6 p.m. in Pontevecchio Park. The band Kokomo will take the stage at 7 p.m., and fireworks over the lake will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $8 for children 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.
Buffalo Bill's in Primm Valley will feature Grucci fireworks, the live band Real Surreal and food and retail booths in the courtyard from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Sun reporter
Malia Spencer contributed to this story.
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