(Jason Valle/FOX5)LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Around 35,000 people were expected to turn out for the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, celebrating Independence Day in west Las Vegas. Giant helium balloons, dance troops, music groups, cartoon characters and more were the big draw for the event.
The parade began at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive with some spectators arriving before sunrise to claim their spots along the parade route.
This year marks the 18th year for the parade, which organizers say is Southern Nevada's largest parade.
Tom Warden of Howard Hughes Corporation, developer of Summerlin, says the parade started with a few girls on bicycles 18 years ago and has grown each year since.
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