Doc Johnson Rose Garden is a staple in the Southern Highlands Golf Community in Enterprise, Nevada. But, families come from all over the Las Vegas valley to visit the garden to smell the roses and capture special moments.

“It’s quiet, it’s off the beaten path, and you can walk around and smell the roses,” said Angela Rock, president of Olympia Companies.

Southern Highlands was established in 1999 by Olympia Companies and with it came the multi-million dollar rose garden.

“This particular park was a passion project for our founder, Gary Goett. It’s named after his father-in-law. His father-in-law always said, stop and smell the roses,” Rock said.

A calming place for families to do just that. It’s what’s Senior Vice President, Chris Armstrong said he had in mind for the entire park.

“It’s the backbone really of what we build in our communities,” Armstrong said.

It’s garnered attention from Nevada families seeking to capture special moments for everything from weddings to family pictures.

“There are a lot of hidden places inside Southern Highlands that are just photographic wonders and this is one,” Rock said.

With the roses in bloom in the spring this hidden gem comes to life, offering a snapshot of lasting memories.

The almost two-acre park is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It also features a splash pad, a covered play structure, restrooms, and a small parking lot.

Southern Highlands came alive on Memorial Day as over 3,500 residents, family, and friends united for the 21st annual Memorial Day Celebration at Olympia Sports Park. This popular event delivered a day of delectable food, dazzling fireworks, and abundant family fun.

Under sunny skies, attendees reveled in an array of exciting activities, music, and entertainment throughout the day. Laughter filled the air as families indulged in great food, participated in games, enjoyed live performances, and eagerly awaited the breathtaking fireworks finale.

Presented by the Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation and the Southern Highlands Community Association, the event holds a special place in the hearts of residents. It serves as a treasured opportunity to honor the courageous men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the celebration also raised funds for Operation Warm Heart, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local airmen and their families at Creech and Nellis Air Force Base.

Adding to the patriotic spirit, the event featured the third annual talent search for a national anthem singer. Local talent Sally Damian emerged victorious, delivering a captivating rendition of The National Anthem while the Nellis Air Force Honor Guard presented the Colors.

Thrilling activities kept families engaged throughout the day, including Bingo, inflatable games, slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses, and more. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by an energetic DJ, while students from the Las Vegas Circus Center entertained spectators with their awe-inspiring aerial and circus acts. And to appease hungry appetites, popular food trucks such as Alpha Dawg, Flip N Grill, Taco Avenue, Flat Tops Burgers & Shakes, Joy Pop, and Happy Ending Chocoalte provided a delicious culinary experience.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, all eyes turned towards the night sky for the grand finale—a spectacular, eight-minute fireworks extravaganza. The dazzling display, synchronized to a patriotic pop playlist, filled the air with awe and wonder.

The Olympia Companies SH Charitable Foundation and Southern Highlands Community Association have long been steadfast supporters of Operation Warm Heart. Over the years, they have donated more than $315,000 to this impactful organization. In addition to the Memorial Day Celebration, the Winter Festival and Tree Lighting, as well as the Governor’s Black Tie events, have been instrumental in raising funds for this worthy cause.

Recently, the Foundation made a special visit to Nellis Air Force Base, presenting Msgt. Kaci Groff and representatives from Operation Warm Heart with a generous donation of $15,000. The contribution included proceeds from the Memorial Day Celebration as well as additional funds donated by Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation and Southern Highlands Community Association. The impressive donation further demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting this invaluable organization.

Event coordinator Brittany Kincaid expressed her joy, stating, “There’s no better way to celebrate Memorial Day than by joining together with family, friends, and neighbors. We are thrilled to honor the military, have fun, and support such a worthwhile organization.”

The Memorial Day Celebration at Southern Highlands continues to embody the spirit of gratitude, unity, and community, making it an annual highlight for residents and a testament to the enduring values of remembrance and support.

Welcoming winter and kicking off the holiday season, Southern Highlands in partnership with Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation, hosted its popular annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting. A welcome opportunity for neighbors to gather in the spirit of the season, this year’s event was a holly jolly good time filled with food, family, friends, and festive fun benefiting Operation Warm Heart, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to the local airmen and their families of the Nellis and Creech military community.

Bundled up to brave the wind and wintry weather, hundreds of Southern Highlands residents enjoyed food, music, and merriment. This year’s Winter Festival and Tree Lighting was magical and featured photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, The Gingerbread Man, and of course Santa Claus himself. Kids had the opportunity to write letters to Santa, create a gingerbread train craft, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Claus. One of the highlights was the Holiday Express Trains which took passengers on a fun journey through the perfectly decorated event space.

A DJ spun some holiday hits and the choir from nearby Desert Oasis High School spread their harmonic holiday cheer as they caroled throughout the festival leading up to the magical moment when the enormous Christmas Tree was officially lit.

Attendees also enjoyed browsing and shopping in the Vendor Village and many were spotted picking up perfect stocking stuffers and holiday gifts created by local artisans. There was no shortage of food and drinks as popular food trucks including Alpha Dawg, Cake Wagon, Flat Top’s Burgers and Shakes and more were on hand to serve up delicious favorites.

In all, through the sales of train ride tickets, holiday swag including reindeer antler headbands and light-up necklaces, and toy and monetary donations including from Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation, the annual event raised $6,000. With an additional $2,000 being donated by Garry Goett on behalf of Olympia Companies.

The Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation and Southern Highlands have long been proud supporters of Operation Warm Heart. In addition to the Winter Festival and Tree Lighting, other community-focused events include the upcoming annual Memorial Day Celebration and Fall Festival.