Valley skies will sparkle July Fourth with multiple fireworks shows
Setting off small explosions to mark our country’s Independence Day is a time-honored tradition.
But it’s not without dangers. Last year, nationwide, fireworks caused 8,700 injuries severe enough for a trip to the emergency room. Six people died.
But there’s an easy way to avoid being a fireworks statistic: Put the bottle rockets and sparklers aside and go see a fireworks show. Your friends will thank you. Your neighbors will appreciate you. It’s probably one of the most patriotic things you can do.
The number of fireworks shows has decreased this year but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see pretty colors in the sky. Pretty much every part of the valley has some scheduled fireworks activity. All you need to do is find a good viewing spot. Most shows start around 9 p.m. so you should arrive at your destination early.
After 9 p.m., a fireworks show by the Gruccis of New York will launch at Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, and Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.
Last year, four Station Casinos properties had fireworks shows but management decided to cut it back to two so they could “add more star power,” spokeswoman Lori Nelson says.
The Red Rock and Green Valley Ranch shows will last nine to 10 minutes. It will take four days and 528 man hours to set both shows up. Eleven pyrotechnicians will be on-site at the properties. The best viewing area at Green Valley Ranch is at the top of its Paseo Verde parking garage. At Red Rock Resort, try the surface-level parking lot at the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Pavilion Drive.
The shows are designed to be seen from miles away, though, so as long as you have a clear vantage point, you can probably enjoy the show, Nelson says.
Here are some other July Fourth fireworks shows planned in the valley.
■ Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, will kick off a fireworks show at 9 p.m. from the rooftop of the Roman Tower. The best view is on the Strip at the hotel’s front fountains. Or, buy the Eiffel Tower Experience Fourth of July package at Paris Las Vegas. For $49, you’ll get a miniature American flag, a cocktail and a view of the entire valley. That event starts at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are available by phone, 702-777-2782 or at the Eiffel Tower box office.
■ Henderson is sponsoring an 18-minute fireworks show at Mission Hills Park, 551 E. Mission Drive. Admission is free. Leading up to the show at 9 p.m. will be a night full of activities, including music from the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, a battle of the bands competition and other family activities. The festival starts at 6 p.m. with shuttle service starting at 5:30 p.m. at Foothill High School, 800 College Drive. Some activities require a fee. For more information, visit hendersonlive.com.
■ Celebrate the Fourth with the Phil at Symphony Park at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. but there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy before that. From 4 to 10 p.m., the event will feature live music, entertainment, and food and drink vendors. The Las Vegas Philharmonic Pops concert inside Reynolds Hall at 7:30 p.m. will be simulcast in the park. Entry to the park costs $5 to $10; the concert costs $25 to $75 and includes access to the park. For tickets or information, call 749-2000 or visit lvphil.org.
■ Fireworks at the Stars, Stripes & Sparks celebration start at 9:15 p.m. The Independence Day event kicks off with live music, contests and family activities at 6 p.m. inside the Knickerbocker Park in Providence, 10695 Dorrell Lane. Admission is free. Donations of new or gently used books will be accepted to benefit Spread the Word Nevada. For more information, call 216-2020.
■ The 65th annual Damboree fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. in Veterans’ Memorial Park, 1650 Buchanan Blvd. in Boulder City. Parking costs $10. It will be the highlight of a full day of activities, starting with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, followed by a parade, midway booths, food, games and entertainment.
Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.
