Thousands mark Fourth at Summerlin holiday parade

By Conor Shine

Monday, July 4, 2011 | 1:38 p.m.

A cavalcade of floats carrying veterans, community members and even a few costumed superheroes made its way through the streets of Summerlin on Monday as part of the community's Independence Day parade.

An estimated 40,000 people dressed in red, white and blue, and waving American flags lined the streets to celebrate as dozens of floats meandered down Hills Center Drive in Summerlin's The Trail village.

"We're very lucky Summerlin still puts on such a great community event, even with the budget cuts," said Jennifer Haley, a Summerlin resident who had two sons participating in the parade.

Eight-year-old Ken Haley could be seen marching through the streets next to a giant inflatable shark and waving a stingray puppet with his teammates from the Summerlin Seals swim team.

His 6-year-old brother Will was also part of the float. The two said they enjoyed passing out candy to attendees along the mile-long parade route, but the stopping and starting during the two-hour event wore Will out.

"My legs got kind of tired," he said.

Residents started turning out as early as 7 a.m. to camp out for the best spots to watch the parade, which is in its 17th year.

The floats in the parade featured a variety of groups, from cultural organizations representing the Philippines and Mexico to the American Legion and the Marine Corp League. Classic cars were interspersed with people walking on stilts, Disney characters and local football and baseball teams.

New floats in the parade this year included a 25-foot Mr. Potato Head balloon and a superhero-themed float manned by Captain America, Spiderman and others.

Although the mood was celebratory, the parade took on a special meaning for the American Gold Star Mothers, who were marching in honor of fallen soldiers and received standing ovations along the parade route.

"You have to get out here and get involved," said Joy Marsico, whose son Raul Bravo was killed while serving in Iraq. "We're picking up where our sons left off."

Carol Fabbri, whose son Daniel Guastaferro was killed in Iraq, said Independence Day has taken on a special meaning for her.

"If it wasn't for our sons and the other kids that are serving our country, we wouldn't have Independence Day," she said.

Elsewhere in Southern Nevada, for the 63rd consecutive year, Boulder City residents celebrated America’s independence at the Damboree festival. This year’s theme was "Serving our Community & Nation."

First was the annual Rotary pancake breakfast Monday morning, then residents lined up along Nevada Highway as floats decked out in red, white and blue worked their way along the parade route, which ended at Broadbent Memorial Park.

Parade goers in a designated wet zone made it a soggy Fourth as the water fight — a time-honored Boulder City tradition — broke out. Gov. Brian Sandoval and other dignitaries were on hand to soak in the celebration.