Fireworks will light up the night sky on the evenings of July 2 and 3 at the Paiute Travel Plaza in celebration of Independence Day. The public is invited to come out and view the displays.

By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Thousands of spectators are expected to attend two days of fun, fireworks and festivities scheduled at the Moapa Paiute Enterprise Store and Travel Plaza on Interstate 15 for the July 4th weekend.

The revelry this year is being called “Desert Bling” and it includes massive fireworks shows on the evenings of July 2 and 3 at the rear of the Tribal Enterprise Store, according to a spokesman.

In addition to the fireworks displays, both of which will last between 20 and 30 minutes long, three bands are scheduled to perform including a Blues Brother tribute called The Soul Men from Cleveland, OH. There will be multiple food and toy vendors and a face painting booth has been arranged, the spokesman said.

Last year an estimated 5,000 spectators swarmed the desert area to watch the show. A large brush fire ignited by the fireworks burned approximately five acres but water and fire trucks were immediately on hand to quickly extinguish the blaze.

The Plaza has set aside a 50-acre plot called the launching pad where purchases made at the Tribal Enterprise store’s extensive fireworks department can be set off. The brush has been cleared away to make the area safe.

Although the Independence Day activities are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. both days, personal Class C fireworks can be purchased any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of the scheduled events are free of charge.

The Travel Plaza’s security will be on hand to direct traffic and the grassy Veteran’s Park will be open so people can watch the show from blankets, the spokesman said.