Patriotism, pancake syrup, and pig grease were all in generous supply as thousands of residents
and visitors filled Main Street and the Out of Town Park for Fernley’s annual Fourth of July
celebration last Friday.
More than 60 entries paraded through downtown, a colorful mix of classic cars, costumed kids,
and spirited displays, starting from the U.S. 95A intersection and heading down to 7th Street.
Many floats and groups continued on to the park, where about 50 vendors offered everything
from BBQ and lemonade to handmade goods and civic info. Families settled in for a full day of
fun, from bounce houses and horseshoes to the highly anticipated greased pig scramble.
“It was just a big party to celebrate America’s independence, and we were thrilled with the
turnout,” said Robert Perea, president of the Fernley 4th of July Committee.
Mayor Neal McIntyre welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt nod to Fernley’s small-town spirit.
“As your Mayor, I couldn’t be prouder to stand here today, surrounded by the heart and soul of
our town – you, our amazing community,” he said. “From the Masons’ Pancake Breakfast early
this morning to the parade down Main Street, to that last explosion of fireworks lighting up the
sky later tonight, this event is a shining example of what makes our town so special.”
McIntyre reminded everyone that Independence Day is about more than fireworks and funnel
cake.
“To all the families, the kids with painted faces, the neighbors catching up over a cold beverage,
the veterans we honored, and every single person who waved the flag or sang along to the music
– thank you,” he said. “You bring the spirit of Independence Day to life!”
New additions this year included a Thursday night Battle of the Bands, won by First Five
Elements, and the beloved Battle of the Badges greased pig contest, where North Lyon
Firefighters Cody Ingram and Trevor Curtis claimed victory, ending a two-year streak by the
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Other highlights included a watermelon eating contest, a dunk tank, a Diving for Dollars game
for kids, and plenty of water slides to beat the July heat.
This was the first time Fernley’s Fourth was expanded to a two-day event — a step toward an
even bigger celebration next year, which will mark the City of Fernley’s 25th anniversary of
incorporation on July 1.
“I hope everyone who came this year enjoyed themselves and makes plans to come back next
year,” Perea said.
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