By Whitney Donohue & Amanda Monk
Moapa Valley Progress
Independence Day Celebration activities began this year early on Saturday morning, July 3, with a flag raising ceremony conducted by the local veteran’s organizations. The ceremony, which began at 7:00 a.m. was brief but it paid a poignant tribute to the community’s veterans.
Following the ceremony, attendees were directed to the Fine Arts building where a pancake breakfast was being served by the Moapa Valley Rotary Club. Club officials reported that about 800 people lined up for breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and juice.
After the breakfast, the fun continued with activities for the kids. Joe Perez, who is well know for his antics in engaging local children, was responsible for something being billed as a “candy surprise”.
In the past years this well anticipated activity has taken different forms. A glider plane has dropped candy from high above the fairgrounds to the children below. Other times, candy was just deposited throughout the field for kids to scoop up.
But this year’s candy surprise started off with BANG! Perez had a cone shaped contraption that he filled with candy. Over 500 pounds of candy to be exact. Dressed in a hilarious clown outfit, Perez then called for clearance and blasted candy far out onto the grassy area. Children filled the space as Perez then again shot more candy that rained down upon them. Children raced to picked up the goodies before the smoke had time to settle.
After the explosion of candy, kids played a series of water games. With age groups moving from station to station, there was fun for all ages. The stations were supervised by Parks and Rec staff who were volunteering their time.
The Child family from Las Vegas came out to the local celebration because of the small town atmosphere. “We were going to meet up with another family from Vegas,” said Curtis Child. “When they canceled we decided we would still come alone.” The family has been coming to the Moapa Valley area for months for various activities. When they heard that there was going to be festivities on Saturday, the family of six made a choice to come.
By late morning volunteers from the local fire stations started to appear. After unrolling their hoses and positioning their trucks, a fight broke out: a water fight that is. Large sprays of waters cast arced rainbows, inviting pictures and people to come play in the water. It was irresistible to everyone as teenagers, mothers, and fathers followed the really small ones into the spray. Volunteers steered the hoses close to those taking tentative steps, inviting them to come cool down and invoking smiles out of them.
A watermelon bust provided a delicious summer treat. Watermelons were donated by the Overton Senior Center. It was perfect timing as families were in need of a little pick me up since the fire trucks had arrived. Snow cones were also available to keep families cool.
At about noon, the activities wound down to allow folks to flea the heat. The Overton and Logandale pools were open at a reduced price on Saturday.
But the crowds began to gather again at the Fairgrounds at 6:30 for the flag lowering ceremony, again by local veterans groups.
Following the ceremony, the doors to the Fine Arts building were once again open for the pit barbecue dinner provided by the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce. The meat was cooked to perfection by Dennis Freeman and his crew. Side dishes and supplies were provided by Sugar’s, Inside Scoop and Lin’s. Around 775 people were served at the evening meal.
A program started at 8:30 pm. Josh Chandler served as the Master of Ceremony. The program opened with the Boy Scout Jamboree Troop 947 performing a flag ceremony. The National Anthem was performed by Rachel Garcia.
Traditional community awards were then presented. The Moapa Valley Spirit award was presented this year to Robert W. Smiley Jr. Smiley is in the process of writing a book about the signers of the Constitution which will include the complete cycle of his “4th of July Reflections” which have been published by installment each year in the Progress since the year 2000.
Other awards went to the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce, Moapa Valley Rotary Club, Logandale American Legion Post 75 and Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Elwood Perkins Post 8336 and Ladies Auxiliary, Clark County Parks and Recreation, Adam Hardy, Elwin Brown, Dennis Freeman, and Christine Trombley for their service to the celebration over the years.
State Senator John Lee was on hand to present a Proclamation to celebration founders thanking them for their contributions to making Nevada a great place to live.
Local veterans presented a Service Spotlight award to Jacqulyn Pray for her eight years of service in Chairing the 4th of July Celebration Committee. After the program, the lights were turned off and the fireworks began.
