Cover Story
by Patty Sullivan

Boulder City's 60th July 4th Damboree Celebration

From early morning and into the evening, Boulder City residents and visitors can don their Damboree shirts and join in the day long July 4th activities by celebrating the 60th anniversary of Damboree with fun and fireworks.

Support our city’s event by purchasing a T-shirt at Ace Hardware Shopper Stopper or watch for sales at Boulder Dam Credit Union. All monies collected from the sale of T-shirts go directly to support the Damboree event.

Beginning at 7 a.m., the Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast at Bicentennial Park with local dignitaries and politicians on hand to meet and greet all.

At 9 a.m. the much anticipated parade begins at Colorado Street and proceeds down Nevada Way to Broadbent Park. Floats and entries in this year’s parade will echo the theme of “Proud To Be An American” with lots of red, white and blue. Take a look up at 9:05 a.m. for a flyover by Nellis Air Force Base pilots in their formation to honor our country. Parade applications are available on the City of Boulder City website at www.bcnv.org and also at the Parks and Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce.

Festivities, food and fun get underway at 10 a.m. at Broadbent Memorial Park. Local non-profit groups will offer food, drinks and carnival games on the midway. Nominal fees for these activities will support community programs. Raise your hand to salute our flag and lend your voice in singing the national anthem at the ceremonies commencing at 11 a.m. Trophies for the best floats will be presented by the Damboree Committee followed by toe tapping, laugh out loud entertainment at 11:30 a.m.

Young and old alike can have a great time while participating in a myriad of old fashioned games including tug-o-war, water relays, and a variety of other activities that get under way at 2 p.m. The big SPLASH takes place at the pool at 4 p.m. with the children taking the plunge for the annual coin toss.

At 6 p.m. it’s time to head over to Veterans’ Memorial Park for the evening’s fun and fireworks. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. there’s more food, fun, entertainment and competitive baseball games. The Splash Park will be in full swing for those who want to take a cool respite. Those wanting to spend the night in their RV under a beautiful star filled sky can obtain a permit for parking at Pratte Soccer Fields. Contact Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department at 293-9256. Boulder City’s favorite local DJ and Mayor pro tem Mike Pacini will take the stage to announce the lineup for the night.

At 9 p.m. it’s time to spread out your blanket and get ready to watch the most spectacular display of pyrotechnics while listening to homespun patriotic music that compliments the colorful bursts in the sky.

A few tips for the day: Parking at Veterans’ Memorial Park starts to fill up at around 8 p.m. so come early if you want a spot; With the exception of one gazebo, the remaining gazebos are first come, first served. The Damboree Beer Wagon will be serving up cold draft beer to those age 21 and over. IDs are required. It’s hot and you don’t want to cook? No problem! Hamburgers, hot-dogs, drinks and ice cream will be served at Veterans’ Memorial Park prior to the fireworks display.

A BIG thanks to the members of the Damboree Committee and also to everyone who supported our fundraising.

We’re looking forward to seeing all of you at this year's festivities. For more information on this year's great 60th Annual Damboree celebration, or more information on how you can further support the Damboree efforts, please contact me at 294-0335.