The Las Vegas Valley has plenty of options for those wanting to catch some fireworks and celebrate the Fourth of July. Prices vary from free to more than a $1,000 depending on the experience.
When it comes to watching fireworks at a Fourth of July celebration, there are only three words Mike Pacini thinks people need to know. “Ooh, aah and oh,” he said of the involuntary chant of rapt spectators. “Once the fireworks start, you can usually hear a pin drop before the first explosion. Then collectively, that’s when the crowd says it.”
There will be no shortage of fireworks shows throughout Southern Nevada during the next four days to celebrate the Fourth of July. Here’s where you can watch ...
Clad in a vest resembling the American flag, Robin Reese was the embodiment of American patriotism with her red lips, bright white smile and sparks in her clear blue eyes. Boulder City residents lovingly knew Reese, whose favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, as the “Jug Lady.” She acquired the nickname because she would place jugs around the city to collect donations for the Damboree, the town's annual Independence Day celebration. Sadly, she died in December after combating a number of ailments for years. But her dedication to the holiday won't be forgotten soon by Boulder City.
Frank Badgely could safely label himself the most versatile player in Southern Nevada. As a sophomore last season, Badgely played on Boulder City’s offensive line as a guard. He’s now preparing to be the Eagles starting running back as a junior.
Boulder City’s Fourth of July weekend bash — the annual Damboree Celebration — has become a tradition for residents to socialize, barbecue and engage in epic water fights. And this year is no different.
Complete with plenty of patriotic fanfare, Las Vegas’ suburbs are expecting tens of thousands of people for their Fourth of July fireworks this year, even in the down economy.
Thousands gathered Saturday in Boulder City for the Independence Day festivities. A flyover by the Boulder City Veterans Pilot group kicked off the morning parade. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made a quick appearance at the beginning of the parade. About 75 groups participated in the parade, including Boulder City High School cheerleaders and local baseball and softball teams.
The early settlers of Boulder City knew how to throw a party. “We, all the families, made sure to have celebrations and events to bring us together. Those first years were a struggle,” Erma Godbey, one of the city’s first settlers, wrote in her memoir about the early 1930s.
Organizers of the Boulder City Damboree say the festival’s celebration coffers have remained strong, despite the dwindling economy. “We didn’t make any cuts this year. We were very fortunate in that respect,” Damboree Committee Chairman Roger Hall said.
Independence Day is a time of strong traditions and deep patriotism in Boulder City. One of the things I’m most grateful for and that brings me the most pride in our community is that we take the time to work, celebrate and remember — together.
Before retired Air Force pilot Mike Smith took off, he smiled into his headset and said, jokingly, “You know, I haven’t had much experience doing this.” The engine of his RV-7/7A airplane roared. “Just 45 years,” he said.
Michelle Coe said her friends jokingly refer to her as “Miss B.C.” or “Miss Boulder City.” “It’s like they’re making fun of me, but I won’t take that,” Coe said, smiling. “I just proudly nod my head and say, ‘Yes, I am.’”
