A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: July Fourth weekend promises something for everyone

Fun activities abound next weekend as Independence Day celebrations replace the normal summer fare.

Plenty of activities are planned in multiple locations to help families spend some quality time together enjoying activities at Petrack Park, the Pahrump Nugget, a Fourth of July parade and a fundraiser pancake breakfast.

The VFW will kick off the festivities early with its annual pancake breakfast scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the Calvada Eye. The cost is $3 per plate.

At 9 a.m., the parade of decorated vehicles, marchers, the JROTC Color Guard and others celebrating the Fourth of July, will begin from the upper end of Honeysuckle Street and make the trek around the Calvada Eye.

The town and the Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to bring Liberty Fest, the Movie in the Park and fireworks to Petrack Park.

The Liberty Fest will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with vendors, games for the kids, entertainment and a beer garden with beer sales having been awarded to the VFW.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant Elaine Trent said, “The turnout this year for vendors has been phenomenal. We had at least 40 by yesterday and the applications for booth space are still coming in.” She said there will be plenty of food as 12 of the vendors are selling either snacks, burgers and hot dogs, drinks and snow cones, or other items.

“We have three sponsors and are still looking for more,” she said. “Valley Electric and two other sponsors have donated booth space to nonprofit organizations.” She said a few politicians have leased space as well.

Local artists will be displaying their jewelry, purses, home decor and more.

Skip Haddock is in charge of the entertainment and said although the carnival was booked for another location, “there will be a bounce house and two water slides from Jammin’ Jumpers.” He commented that the carnival vendor, Davis Entertainment, had already committed to be a part of next year’s Balloon Festival.

“The fire department will also be there spraying the kids down, too,” he said.

Other entertainment will include Haddock himself as a DJ. “I am the entertainment, and I’ll be providing all kinds of music all day long.” Stage performers will include the Nevada Silver Tappers, the Nye County Starletts and jazz performances from Dance Expressions.

The pool will be open all weekend and Valley Cruisers has donated free swimming from noon to 7 p.m. on July 4.

The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Saturday the weekly Movie in the Park will be shown at Petrack Park instead of Ian Deutch Memorial Park. The movie “Saving Mr. Banks,” is the story of Walt Disney’s 20-year struggle with the author of “Mary Poppins’ to allow him to bring a favorite children’s book to the big screen. As is customary, the movie begins at dusk, bring blankets or chairs and concessions will be available.

Saturday will also bring festivities at the Pahrump Nugget, where Kids’ Ventures and the Pahrump Bowl will be open until midnight.

There will be activities set up in the parking lot from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music from the Mason Dixon Band, games and a bounce house for the kids, eating contests, food and $2 draft beer.

At 7 p.m., Deuce Coupe will perform in the Stagebar Lounge. The band will also perform Friday evening and play music from the Beach Boys, Elvis, the Four Seasons and more. The band stated in a press release, “We have always enjoyed playing the oldies. So all of our friends in Pahrump put on your dancin’ shoes and grab your surf boards.”

The Pahrump Nugget will also offer a free fireworks show at 9 p.m., Saturday.