Independence Day events in Henderson

By Dave Clark

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 | 4:27 p.m.

Henderson residents will have a variety of firework-viewing options this Fourth of July with displays and concerts in downtown Henderson and Anthem Hills Park as well as fireworks at Green Valley Ranch Resort, Sunset Station and Lake Las Vegas.

For the second consecutive year, the city will launch fireworks in the Water Street District at 9 p.m. after three hours of live music and children’s activities.

Spokeswoman Nicole Johnson said the concert will include Beatles tribute band The Fab, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and country performers Randy Anderson and Emily West. Children will be able to enjoy the Event Plaza’s water play area and chalk art, she said, and other activities requiring paid admission including a bounce house, climbing wall, dunk tank and slip and slide.

“We just want it to be more of a family-friendly environment to celebrate the Fourth,” Johnson said.

Anthem Hills Park celebrants can enjoy the sounds of jazz artist Jackeim Joyner, who begins performing at 7 p.m.

Shuttle service will be provided from Morrell Park to downtown and from Coronado High School to Anthem Hills.

Johnson expects between 5,000 and 10,000 people at each event.

“They’re great sites,” she said. “Downtown with the backdrop of the city and Anthem Hills is just beautiful.”

Stations Casinos spokeswoman Lori Nelson said the company is planning to provide the most ambitious fireworks show yet at six of the company’s properties, including Sunset Station and Green Valley Ranch Resort. Station has hired the Gruccis of New York to produce the nine-minute shows entitled “Lights over Vegas,” which begin at 9:30 p.m.

The company has designed fireworks displays at presidential inaugurations and the Olympics, and will spend 60 hours to choreograph and 320 hours to set up the local shows.

“They’re internationally known as one of the top fireworks production companies in the world,” Nelson said.

In the past, she said Station Casinos have only typically done fireworks for a grand opening.

“We wanted to do something special to give back to the community,” Nelson said. “We felt this would be a really fun way to do that this summer.”

Lake Las Vegas, meanwhile, has fireworks July 4 planned after its Stars on the Lake concert. America is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. at MonteLago Village, followed by fireworks afterward. Tickets are $40 to $100.