Vegas Celebrates 4th Of July 2007
The 4th of July is a big holiday in Las Vegas, both for residents and visitors alike. The party city is normally a flurry of patriotic fireworks displays and parties. So what can one expect for 2007? Well, there’s good and bad news this year.
First, the popular “Red, Hot & Boom” extravaganza is not happening this year. Yeah, I know…boo, hiss! Rumblings have indicated a myriad of reasons from “too expensive” to “hard to insure,” but whatever the reason, the huge music and fireworks party just isn’t going to take place.
Also not happening is the annual pool party with fireworks the Stratosphere usually throws at the north end of the Strip.
But fear not, the day isn’t going to be entirely without lights in the sky and a huge celebration. We just need to look elsewhere.
Picking up the slack from its nearby neighbor, the Las Vegas Hilton will be setting the north end of the Strip alight with its own fireworks on July 4. Following its nightly “Cool by the Pool” happy hour on the third floor pool deck, the hotel will be setting off the fireworks display. Anyone in the vicinity of the hotel should be able to see them.
Further down the Strip, there is a VIP-invitation-only party happening at Caesars Palace, but I’m told it will be capped off by a fireworks display that anyone in the mid-Strip area by the resort should be able to see.
Mandalay Bay is offering a 4th of July concert with Pat Benatar at Mandalay Beach ($50.50 in advance/$56 day of) and the Palms is holding “The Big Sleepover” starting on July 3 with a pajama/lingerie party at Moon and ending on the 4th with a poolside BBQ party (various admissions and special room rates). Both resorts have not indicated they will be offering any fireworks displays, but I’m sure there will be plenty to entertain your eyes anyways.
And Ghostbar at the Palms and its neighbor across the street, the VooDoo Lounge at The Rio, will have wonderful views of all of the city’s various fireworks from their outdoor terraces, so those are options to consider.
Off the Strip area, several family events are planned to celebrate the 4th of July.
The aforementioned “Red, Hot and Boom” has been replaced by “Red, White and Splash,” to be held in the afternoon from noon to 4pm at several public pools around the city. The event is free to everyone.
The 59th Annual Boulder City Damboree starts out with a pancake breakfast at 7am, a parade at 9am, and holiday ceremonies at 11am. The festivities continue later, starting at 6pm, culminating with fireworks after dark. It is all free to the public (though there is a charge for the pancakes).
The Henderson Fourth of July Celebration is also free to the public and gets underway starting at 6pm and ending with fireworks. It all takes place at the Henderson Events Plaza and you can call 702.267.2171 for more information.
Summerlin starts the day with a patriotic parade at 9am that is free to the public. Later, the celebration moves to Hills Park, where the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under Music Director David Itkin, opens its ninth season with the “Star Spangled Spectacular.” A fireworks display will follow and the cost for this event is $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 6-12 in advance. For complete ticket information, including where to purchase, call 702.895.2787.
And for those in town a few days early, the Las Vegas 51’s will be hosting two “Holiday Fireworks Shows” games at Cashman Field that will include a fireworks display following each game. They will be playing the Fresno Grizzlies in both special games on June 30 and July 3, starting at 7:11pm. Tickets for each game are $13 for general admission.
Know of an event I missed? Let me know the details in comments, please. And whether you’re celebrating in Vegas, or at home with family and friends, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday!