Henderson hosts 10th Annual Hispanic International Day Parade

By Erin Dostal

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Henderson is hosting the 10th Annual Hispanic International Day Parade, an event meant to unite Spanish-speaking people throughout the valley.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday on Water Street and run until about 11:15 a.m., said Margarita Rebollal, the parade’s founder and president.

Starting at 11:30 a.m., there will be performances by local music and dance groups at a park near City Hall, she said.

The goal of the event, she said, is to show Las Vegas that its Hispanic community isn’t only made up of those of Mexican descent — it’s a mixture of cultures and diverse backgrounds.

“It’s one day we get people from different Hispanic countries coming together,” said Rebollal, who was born in Puerto Rico. “That’s why it’s important.”

The event is always held on the second Saturday of October to coincide with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, she said.

Each year, she said, the parade has a contest for best float. But the event isn’t about winning, she said.

“I don’t care if you have a float,” Rebollal said. “All I want is your flag with us that day.”

For the first time, the event will be held this year on Water Street in downtown Henderson, Rebollal said.

The event has been held on 4th Street in Las Vegas since 2000, but a lack of funds forced the group to look at different options, she said.

Henderson is allowing the group to host the event for close to free, Rebollal said. In Las Vegas, it would have cost $8,000 to $12,000 for police protection and other services — money the parade organizers don’t have, she said.

Traditionally, the parade has had 60 to 70 floats and other units, she said. This year, on the smaller street, there will be about 40.

“Even though it’s a little smaller this year, it’s going to be beautiful,” Rebollal said.