Moapa Valley Fourth Activities Shaping Up

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

This year’s Independence Day is shaping up nicely thanks to the efforts of a few members of the community. The 2022 theme is ‘Home Means Moapa Valley’ and the logo was designed by Vanette Christensen at Xtreme Stitch and Print.

The fourth of July is on a Monday this yea. Record crowds are expected to join in the day of fun at the Clark County Fairgrounds due to the long weekend.

As usual, the day begins before dawn for the Moapa Valley Rotary Club. The local Rotarians provide, cook and serve up a free pancake breakfast for the community.

The public is invited to be at the Fairgrounds promptly at 7 a.m. for the traditional flag-raising ceremony by the VFW, pledge of allegiance, singing of the National Anthem and a short ceremony, followed by the breakfast.

Water games will begin at 8:00 am, provided by local Parks and Recreation staff.

The young patriots parade will be held approximately at 9:30 am, with decorations provided by Lori Houston and Kasen Kolhoss. Every youngster is encouraged to bring their bikes, trikes, wagons, and scooters to have them decked out in red, white and blue. Participants can be young, or young at heart. Whether walking, riding, skipping, hopping or even pushing a stroller, everyone is invited. Parents, please note: The bikes, etc. can only be ridden during the parade. Before and after, all the devices need to be put aside or in your vehicle, per rules of the Clark County Fairgrounds.

At 10:30 a.m., a watermelon eating contest will take place.

The very popular fire department water fight will follow, with water sprays from Moapa Valley Fire District.

In the evening at 5 p.m., the VFW will handle the flag retirement, with dinner following inside the Fine Arts Building, provided by Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Outside entertainment begins about 6:30 pm, including local dance teams.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., a special short film of the history of the National Anthem will be presented by Kasen Kolhoss. Following that will be the awards for Community Spirit, and Community Service.

To begin the fireworks show, a special guest will perform The Star-Spangled Banner.

This performance will usher in the annual fireworks display. The Moapa Valley Fire District led by volunteer firefighter Elwin Brown spends many hours before the event each year preparing the fireworks.

Directly following the fireworks a barn dance will be held in the Fine Arts building until 11 p.m., and will be hosted by the 4-H Teen Leadership Corps. (TLC). No alcohol, vaping or drugs allowed at the dance.

It is important to note that outside fireworks and glass bottles are not permitted at the Fairgounds for this event. Also, only services animals are allowed.

The Independence Day Committee wishes to thank Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick for donating grant money for the fireworks.

All times are approximate. Keep an eye on The Progress for the complete schedule of events and times in the June 29 edition.