July 4th parade in Summerlin going virtual this year

Las Vegas Review-Journal

5 years ago

Parade goers wave to spectators in the crowd during the 25th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic ... — Parade goers wave to spectators in the crowd during the 25th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade on July 4, 2019 in Las Vegas. (Michael Blackshire/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Angel Lemurs, 16, hands out American flags during the 25th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade on July 4, 2019 in Las Vegas. (Michael Blackshire/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights cheerleaders look in shock after seeing a float go up in the air during the 25th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade on July 4, 2019 in Las Vegas (Michael Blackshire/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The 26th annual July 4th Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade will have a much different look this year.

Thanks, COVID-19.

This year’s Independence Day celebration, that usually attracts 40,000 to the western Las Vegas Valley, will be held but is going virtual, the Summerlin Council announced.

“Balancing the protection and safety of our residents while preserving traditions is of paramount importance to us,” the council said in a news release. “Our streamed Patriotic Parade will debut on July 4 and provide an opportunity to connect our community in an innovative and safe environment.”

The streaming of the parade is scheduled for 9 a.m., Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, executive director of the council said, adding the virtual parade will still include the small-town spirit and big-city pageantry of the annual parade.

“We plan to include a number of the same community groups and organizations that participate in the parade, but in a virtual way,” said Barnson-DeNardin. “As participants and details are confirmed, we will release information to get the community excited about spending the morning of July 4 with us – online, of course.”

Barnson-DeNardin said more details will be available in the coming weeks.