Residents brought blankets and lawn chairs to camp out for a spot before the fireworks Saturday night at North Las Vegas’ Independence Day Jubilee.
Saturday, July 2, 2011 | 11:21 p.m.
North Las Vegas Independence Day Jubilee
KSNV's coverage of North Las Vegas' 12th annual Independence Day Jubilee.
Kids cool off at one of the many inflatable rides at North Las Vegas' Independence Day Jubilee Saturday night. The annual event featured live music, food and fireworks and was expected to draw about 40,000 people.
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Shade was in high demand Saturday evening at North Las Vegas' annual Independence Day Jubilee, as an estimated 40,000 people packed a park on the hottest day of the year to enjoy live music and fireworks.
Attendees packing coolers and umbrellas crammed into Seastrand Park for the 12th annual event.
The party started at 6 p.m. with introductions from Mayor Shari Buck and other city leaders, followed by performances from Prince tribute band Purple Reign and rocker Franky Perez.
Tickets to the event cost $2, the first time the city had charged for admission. Police also planned a beefed-up presence in response to fights that broke out last year among groups of teenagers.
Coordinator James Allen said the fee was necessary to help keep the celebration financially viable, but the extra cost didn't seem to bother attendees.
"It's not a big issue," said North Las Vegas resident Lisa Tiebel, who's been attending the event for several years.
Described by Allen as "the best fireworks show in the valley," the Jubilee also featured a range of food vendors and activities for kids.
Several inflatable amusement rides, including a bounce house and a water slide, had long lines for most of the evening, and a new "Teen Zone" was introduced to give older kids something to do before the fireworks began.
Away from the main stage, several TV screens were set up in a video game van, artists gave airbrush tattoos and a DJ spun Top 40 hits.
"There's a lot more stuff. It's nice coming out here and having something to do," 16-year-old Miguel Zepeda said. "There's more variety, especially with the music."
Even with all of the extra activities, the main reason most residents attended the event was clear.
"We're here for the fireworks," North Las Vegas residents Tony and Levie Carlisle said.
The couple said it was their first year attending the Jubilee and they had plans to catch other fireworks shows around the valley in the coming days.
"We're going to be going from fireworks show to fireworks show," Tony Carlisle said.
As the sun went down and temperatures cooled off after a high of 111 degrees, children danced and others passed soccer balls ahead of the fireworks in the night sky.
"It's a nice family atmosphere," Lisa Tiebel said. "It's nice to just relax and enjoy the show."
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