By CALLA HAVILAND
Moapa Valley Progress
The residents of the Bunkerville community are so excited to begin celebrating the nation’s independence that they like to begin the festivities a day early, on July 3. The annual event began on Wednesday evening this year with a giant water balloon fight throughout the streets of town.
Then the Fourth of July holiday in Bunkerville was full of fun activities and events for all ages. Festivities started at 6:00 a.m. with an early 5k run. This was followed by breakfast at 6:30. The Boy Scouts from troop 2041 cooked pancakes, bacon and eggs for a crowd of residents.
A community program followed the breakfast which included several patriotic songs performed by several local families. In the program the Tobler family, Gleave family and the Haviland family sang songs that represent and celebrated the country.
Following these musical numbers, Bunkerville Town Advisory Board member Brian Haviland gave a reading that showed appreciation for those Americans who have fought for their country.
“Of course we know that no nation is perfect,” Haviland said. “What makes our country great is the principles of its founding, its boundless potential, and its consistent striving to live up to both.”
Laila Ponce participated in the community event and said that she loved all of the day’s activities.
“My favorite part was seeing the community become a family and being united by the independence of our beautiful country,” Ponce said.
After the program, participants gathered to start the events. First there were foot races for each age group to compete. After watching all of the kids compete and try their very best, the watermelon eating contest began. The egg toss came next, with everyone hoping that their egg didn’t crack as they got farther and farther away from their partner.
In the meantime, families enjoyed snow cones that were provided free to attendees.
At the end of the day, a slideshow displayed photos that were taken throughout the two day celebration.
Following the slideshow, the crowd was entertained by colorful, bright fireworks.
Adalee Anderson said that enjoyed the celebration. “My favorite activity from the 4th was watching the slideshow and the fireworks,” she said. “I got to see pictures of my friends and family have a good time filling up water balloons, throwing water balloons and all of the other activities.”
“The fireworks looked so awesome,” Anderson added. “They kept me mesmerized.”
