A Most Memorable Memorial Day Celebration in Southern Highlands

It was a day filled with food, fireworks, and family fun for the 20th annual Memorial Day Celebration in Southern Highlands as more than 800 residents, family and friends came together to enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors at Olympia Sports Park.

The weather was ideal and good fun was had by all as families enjoyed great food, music, entertainment, games, a raffle and much more all leading up to the spectacular fireworks finale.

Hosted by Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation and the Southern Highlands Community Association, the annual Memorial Day event is a perennial favorite among residents to commemorate the holiday and pay homage to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s event again supported the long-standing community partner Operation Warm Heart, an impactful non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to local airmen and their families at Creech and Nellis Air Force Base.

For the second year in a row, a talent search was conducted for a national anthem singer and local Ciana Pelekai was selected and did a marvelous job performing The Star-Spangled Banner as the Nellis Air Force Honor Guard presented the Colors.

Throughout the day, families enjoyed an abundance of activity including BINGO, inflatable games, slides and obstacle course, bounce houses and more. In addition to a DJ who kept the music high-energy, students from Circus Center Las Vegas performed a variety of aerial and circus arts acts.

After sunset, attendees and nearby residents gathered to witness the dazzling 8-minute fireworks extravaganza as it lit up the night sky.  The colorful fireworks display was synchronized to a patriotic pop playlist.

The Olympia Companies SH Charitable Foundation and Southern Highlands Community Association have long been proud supporters of Operation Warm Heart. In addition to the annual Memorial Day Celebration, other community-focused events including the Winter Festival and Tree Lighting and the Governor’s BlackTie events have also served to support this worthy organization.

Recently, the Foundation went to Nellis Air Force Base and surprised the leadership of Operation Warm Heart with a donation of $20,000 including the proceeds from the Memorial Day Celebration and more.

“What better way to celebrate Memorial Day this year than by joining together with family, friends, and neighbors,” said Brittany Kincaid, event manager. “We are so thrilled to be able to be together in person to honor the military, have fun and support such a worthwhile organization.”