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CARSON CITY, Nev. — From boat regattas to steam train rides to breathtaking fireworks, Nevada offers plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day. This summer, make the most of the holiday by attending one of the state’s many spectacular Fourth of July events.
“Nevada has a distinctive role in American history, given our entry into the Union during the Civil War,” Larry Friedman, Nevada Commission on Tourism interim director, said. “We celebrate that heritage with plenty of Fourth of July events — and Nevada’s geographic and cultural diversity means there are so many different types of events on offer.”
Plan ahead for the festivities, whether they include a big-city blowout or they involve a charming rural festival.
- Las Vegas fireworks: Station Casinos properties once again will offer a city-wide pyrotechnics display, with fireworks going off at five Station Casino properties: Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch resort, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station and Red Rock Resort.
- Star Spangled Sparks: This perennial event in Sparks includes a day of festivities at the Sparks Marina, followed by a rousing fireworks show in nearby Victorian Square. Events start at dawn, with free hot-air balloon rides. Also enjoy a Sparks Idol contest modeled after the TV show “American Idol”; a boat regatta in which people build homemade watercrafts out of cardboard, then test them in the Sparks Marina; and an array of food and vendor booths. The fun is capped off in the evening with a fireworks show sponsored by John Ascuaga’s Nugget. For more, see the website www.janugget.com/events-calendar/star-spangled-sparks.asp.
- Steam train rides in Ely: It may be a small town just off the old Pony Express route, but Ely does holidays with a bang. Wake up early for a breakfast hosted by White Pine County, followed by a traditional parade at 11 a.m. and children’s games in Ely’s Broadbent Park. For a novel view of fireworks, head for the Nevada Northern Railway, where a historic steam train heads up Robinson Canyon , where passengers can see the show, or catch the pyrotechnics at the White Pine County Golf Course. For more, see the website www.elynevada.net.
- Elko fireworks: The annual fireworks show coordinated by Nevada Assemblyman John Ellison and sponsored by Ellison Electric and other community groups is the highlight of Independence Day in Cowboy Country. The pyrotechnics display runs about 45 minutes and is preceded by speeches by members of the VFW and POW*MIA. For more, see the website www.elkocva.com.
- Virginia City sticks with tradition: The historic mining town digs deep into tradition this year, offering classic July 4 fireworks and entertainment. A parade down C Street is set to start at noon, and David John and the Comstock Cowboys will perform their repertoire of songs about America, cowboys, horses and the Old West at 5 p.m., with fireworks to follow after sundown.
Get ready to revel this July 4: From Lake Tahoe to Boulder City, there are unique celebrations from one end of the state to the other. From big-city pyrotechnics to patriotic speeches, you’ll be sure to have plenty from which to choose. For more information on this and other summer fun in Nevada, visit www.TravelNevada.com.
