‘Bigger and better’ Fourth of July parade dominates Summerlin streets, celebrates 30 years

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Patriotism shines the brightest in Summerlin every July 4 as the largest Independence Day parade in the valley dominates nearly a mile of the Trails Village.

It shined brighter this year as the Summerlin Council – the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association – celebrated 30 years as parade organizer. The once small neighborhood event led by children on decorated bikes now spans 20 giant balloons, 50 floats and performing groups, 500 volunteers, and 2,500 parade performers.

As years progressed, so has the competition for the best seats as the council said approximately 50,000 people attended Thursday morning. It is part of the fun that has brought Delicia Coupe back for 10 years.

“We set our stuff out, what, yesterday morning?” Coupe said, seated directly along the parade route Thursday morning. “What we do to pass the time is we actually take the citizenship test, and we see who can stay and who has to go live in Canada.”

She and others spent hours looking to those on top of the main attractions: Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, Vegas Golden Knights Zach Whitecloud and Kaedan Korczak, the 8 News Now anchor and production team, and several local community groups.

8 News Now’s Brian Loftus and Sherry Swensk have consistently emceed the event. Swensk celebrated 20 years Thursday.

“I absolutely remember my first year. That was the year that Polly Gonzalez passed, and we were supposed to cohost together. It was bittersweet,” Swensk said minutes before the parade began Thursday. “But I was so happy to be here to carry on the vision that she wanted for this parade, and 20 years later, it’s grown bigger and better than I think she ever dreamed it could be.”

But behind the American flags and shimmery floats lies different kinds of celebration. Families, like those of Andrea Turner, spent moments embracing each other and beginning new traditions.

“A lot of people have lost the family traditions, really, and they get separated,” Turner said, seated with her baby in her lap and relatives running around her. “It’s just great to be able to participate as a family and do things together.”

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