Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Boulder City kicks off annual Damboree festivities

Boulder City celebrates 62nd Damboree

Tiffany Gibson

Betsy Lockwood, 21, gives Jacob Fennell, 1, a piece of watermelon Saturday at Memorial Park during Boulder City’s 62nd annual Damboree Celebration.

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Children participate in games Saturday at Memorial Park during Boulder City's 62nd annual Damboree Celebration.

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From left, Betsy Lockwood, 21, and Katelyn Conrad, 20, eat watermelon Saturday at Memorial Park during Boulder City's 62nd annual Damboree Celebration.

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, the 62nd for the festival, is no different.

The Damboree kicked off with a patriotic concert Friday night and a pancake breakfast this morning served by the Rotary Club. It culminates with the annual fireworks show on Sunday.

“I like the community spirit that’s here,” said resident Cheryl Ferrence, 64. “(The event) is old fashion, and it’s the way I remember life.”

Ferrence said she has participated in the celebration for 36 years and loves to watch the fireworks every year with her family.

Katelyn Conrad, 20, grew up in Boulder City and said the Damboree is a way to see old high school friends and relax. “The whole town gets together and it’s fun,” Conrad said.

This morning, people lined up along the city’s sidewalks for a parade, a portion of which is designated a water zone where float riders and the crowd engage in a water battle.

Ron Morris, 45, and Fernando Sendejas, 43, said they brought about 200 water balloons to throw at the floats this year. And even that wasn’t enough to satisfy them.

“We’re coming big next year,” Morris said.

Following the parade, residents dried off at Memorial Park with games and contests. Monica Sendejas, 35, said her four children entered the coin toss at the pool.

She said about $500 in change was thrown into the pool and retrieved. “The kids enjoy this,” she said.

But the biggest attraction of the weekend event is the fireworks show.

“The fireworks are so close and awesome,” Damboree Committee member Robin Reese said. “We work hard, (and) are proud to be Americans and independent.”

The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Sunday at the Memorial Park, 1650 Buchanan Blvd.

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