Las Vegas has a blast during Fourth of July celebrations

By Nikki Villoria

Monday, July 4, 2011 | 10:36 p.m.

Las Vegas residents and tourists alike turned out in droves Monday night for the largest of three nights of fireworks in the valley to mark Independence Day.

Around the city, all eyes looked up as Strip and suburban casinos, as well Southern Nevada communities, launched fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations.

In keeping with its annual tradition, five Station Casinos properties hosted fireworks that were visible across the valley. Crowds gathered at Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Resort, Aliante Station, Fiesta Rancho and Texas Station to watch the show.

At Green Valley Ranch, the sidewalks and surrounding parking lots were packed amid a communal celebration.

“This is our second time out here," said Las Vegas resident Ed Armendriz. "I think it may be a new tradition."

Over the course of the next nine minutes, the sky lit up with a patriotic display as radio synchronized music selections to the fireworks show.

“We’ve been seing them here at Green Valley for about three years now. It was great this year -- we were right under them almost,” said Las Vegas resident Lisa Jones. “It’s always a good fireworks show here, no complaints.”

It took four days and 700 hours to set up the shows at the five locations and 100 hours to choreograph and design the shows, which use nine miles of wire, 63 firing batteries and require 317 firing cues.

The city of Henderson also celebrated Independence Day on Monday night with fireworks at 9 p.m. The festivities at Basic High School featured local bands and concessions in addition to the fireworks display. Admission was free and concessions proceeds benefited Basic High’s student organizations and sports programs.

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

On the Strip, Mandalay Bay hosted a concert with reggae band Mystic Roots and a fireworks display at Mandalay Bay Beach. The event began at 9 p.m. and had a $25 cover charge.

The Las Vegas Hilton also hosted a fireworks event Monday night, with an invitation-only viewing party at its pool.

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

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.

Not even Boulder City police officers were spared from a dousing from a squirt gun. The evening was capped off by a fireworks show and live music from Heels over Head at Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Some celebrations had already wrapped up before the holiday officially began.

The city of North Las Vegas marked the holiday Saturday night during a celebration that attracted about 40,000 residents. Caesars Palace hosted a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Sunday night following a 30-minute weather delay.

Sun reporters Conor Shine, Jackie Valley and Cara McCoy contributed to this report.