Fourth of July a reason to celebrate

By Mandy Walton

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | 12:01 p.m.

Independence Day went off smoothly in Downtown Henderson. The festivities on Water Street and in the City Hall Events Plaza were attended by hundreds of local families aiming to have fun and save money by attending the free event.

Every year the City of Henderson does not disappoint with their fireworks display. I heard quite a few people say, “that was the best one yet!” But, I hear the same sentiment every year.

Others celebrated their Fourth of July out at Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas. A friend told me that besides the live music, cupcake eating contest for kids, face painting, balloon animals, good prices on beer and drinks, and lots of places to eat, there were also suites available for around $150. He and his family turned it into a weekend and enjoyed their suite and the pool before heading home.

Although the economy isn’t doing well and many families are trying to save money, it didn’t sound like that was the case. When I say “sound,” I’m referring to the sounds of all the illegal fireworks going off in my neighborhood and in neighborhoods around mine. In years past, what used to seem like just a few here and there turned into an hours-long fireworks show within a 3 mile radius of my home. Every time I heard a few go off I thought, “why are people spending money on blowing stuff up?”

Regardless of how you spent your Fourth, most likely it was centered around some type of explosives. I didn’t hear of anything too serious happening with fires or injuries, so hopefully Henderson had a safe and sane Independence Day.