Marine Sgt. Carlos Campos gives Mesquite resident Joyce Meehan a warm welcome. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Eureka’s Rocket Over the Red Mesa Fourth of July celebration once again drew thousands of local and not so local visitors to the casino parking lot to enjoy the music of the Nevada Pops and of course the fireworks.

Family, friends and visitors to the event met first with the city’s non-profit organizations who took advantage of the Lees’ generous offer of free space to allow them to raise awareness of their cause as well as solicit volunteers and donations.

The crowd stands for the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of the Nevada Pops concert during the Rockets Over the Red Mesa Fourth of July celebration at the Eureka Casino. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The crowd stands for the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of the Nevada Pops concert during the Rockets Over the Red Mesa Fourth of July celebration at the Eureka Casino. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

According to representatives of the various groups, non-profits such as We Care for Animals, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue and the Exchange Club of Mesquite, Nevada are grateful to the Lees for their support of the community as well and are extremely happy with the amount of people they spoke to at this year’s event.

Ohio visitor to Mesquite Debi Takak came with family members and was amazed and impressed that the Eureka, a local business, would do all of this for the community for free. Takak is an advocate for animal rights in Ohio and has saved hundreds of animals from orphaned and abusive situations. She along with her Great Dane Renegade Rochelle picket courthouses and rally to get stricter punishments for animal abusers. She spent a great deal of her time talking with Karen Taylor, Joanne Migliozzi and Joan Dunkle who were manning the booth for We Care for Animals, The Mesquite Animal Shelter and Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue.

Eureka General Manager Andre Carrier makes his way through the crowd to the stage to welcome guest to the Rockets Over the Red Mesa Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Eureka Resort Casino. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Eureka General Manager Andre Carrier makes his way through the crowd to the stage to welcome guest to the Rockets Over the Red Mesa Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Eureka Resort Casino. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The Elings family was traveling from Colorado to their home in Santa

The Elings family was traveling from Colorado to their home in Santa Barbara, CA but didn’t want to fight the crowds and traffic in Vegas so they stopped in Mesquite for the night and were delighted to be able to enjoy the wonderful celebration. The heat was a bit much for them so they stayed close to the misting fans which were provided.

The Elings family was traveling from Colorado to their home in Santa Barbara, CA but didn’t want to fight the crowds and traffic in Vegas so they stopped in Mesquite for the night and were delighted to be able to enjoy the wonderful celebration. The heat was a bit much for them so they stayed close to the misting fans which were provided.

Barbara, CA but didn’t want to fight the crowds and traffic in Vegas so they stopped in Mesquite for the night and were delighted to be able to enjoy the wonderful celebration. The heat was a bit much for them so they stayed close to the misting fans which were provided. Fans spread all around the perimeter of the area helped keep the crowd cool in the 100+ degree temperatures

As daylight grew to dusk, Mayor Al Litman and Marine Sgt. Carlos Campos presented the flag. Old Glory was raised and the Nevada Pops entertained the crowd with a musical montage commemorating the late, great Frank Sinatra. The concert alone lasted a bit more than an hour. The moment everybody was anticipating began with not only a bang but accompaniment by the Nevada Pops as well.

Council woman Cindi Delaney and Ohio Visitor Debi Takak browse the many goods for sale at the We Care for Animals and Mesquite Animal Shelter's table at Vendor Village. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Council woman Cindi Delaney and Ohio Visitor Debi Takak browse the many goods for sale at the We Care for Animals and Mesquite Animal Shelter’s table at Vendor Village. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

After the audience had been entertained by the music of the symphony, rockets began bursting and the oohs and aahs began. The rockets bursting in air gave proof on that night that Mesquite was celebrating in

Budwiser girls Laura Macias and Melissa Trujillo greet the crowd of visitors and offer up free promotional materials. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Budwiser girls Laura Macias and Melissa Trujillo greet the crowd of visitors and offer up free promotional materials. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

style. The audience enjoyed some really great fireworks with the best company around.

When the day’s event was over and the audience was completely satiated in their need for celebration of the day’s significance CERT team members were there to help the crowd and traffic leave safely and without the chaos that could occur during these events.

The Eureka once again gave their all to the community and the community gave their support back. Businesses like the Eureka who are run by people who care about their neighbors, friends and patrons is

Girls Scouts take a break from the tables in Vendor Village to release some pent up energy and dance to a favorite tune. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Girls Scouts take a break from the tables in Vendor Village to release some pent up energy and dance to a favorite tune. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

what continues to make Mesquite a great community to live in.

Balloons animals were all the rage with the kids before the fireworks began. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Balloons animals were all the rage with the kids before the fireworks began. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mesquite Showgirl Betty King sports some patriotic headwear. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Mesquite Showgirl Betty King sports some patriotic headwear. Photo by Teri Nehrenz