[quixotic59]

OK, so we ended up flying in on July 1st and had decided to schedule some comedy shows for Fri, Sat, and Sun. as fireworks were not a priority for us. Final results: Friday - Arrived at T.I. at 7 to pick up Bill Cosby tickets for 9:30 show to be informed that he had cancelled due to scheduling conflict (read as low ticket sales) and ended up at Fremont Street (not bad), Saturday - Caught Brad Garrett at his new club at 10 PM show (excellent) , Sunday - Arrive at Harrah's at 7 to pick up tickets for 10:30 Improv show to find valet parking full, need half hour to find spot in self-park and then notified that Bobby Collins cancelled his performance.
After dealing with UNBELIEVABLE traffic, too many drunken fools to count stumbling around everywhere, being caught in a MASSIVE traffic jam outside of TI due to an accident on Friday night, and the last second cancellations, have decided to NOT do July 4th anywhere near the Strip in the future. Luckily, any off-strip activity during this weekend was pleasant enough to maintain our positive outlook on Las Vegas.
Just want to say, I have enjoyed a bit of alcoholic overindulgence in my past and totally understand the need to let go every so often, but why must so many of these idiots be so obnoxious when they drink?
Sadly, a number of these jerks were introduced to the somewhat confrontational New York City attitude we try so hard to leave behind during our summers in Las Vegas. I literally had to push one jerk on his butt as he was about to knock over an older woman and her grandchild.

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by Memememe

We did have a good time, though it was lame that the parking lot lights stayed on in full force. It was an awfully short show, but it was nice considering it was private. That ruins the effect. When we got back to our neighborhood it turned out there were plenty of 'unsafe & insane' aerials right here! So that was actually pretty fun.

You should have come to Aliante station. They turned off the sign and all the outside lights. They closed off one entire lot for everyone to watch the fireworks from. It was really nice.

[Memememe]

Oh, I should have! Were there cops on bicycles riding around making sure you didn't eat or drink anything from your own coolers while in your own car (though there weren't any food or drink vendors)? (eyeroll)

After quixotic's experience, I'd say I didn't miss anything by not going to Caesar's!

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by Memememe

Oh, I should have! Were there cops on bicycles riding around making sure you didn't eat or drink anything from your own coolers while in your own car (though there weren't any food or drink vendors)? (eyeroll)

After quixotic's experience, I'd say I didn't miss anything by not going to Caesar's!

No cops arresting us for eating snacks. They were mainly there to direct traffic. I guess they are a little more strict at Red Rock. We tried to go there one year and they chased us off of the parking garage. Wouldn't let us get anywhere near to see fireworks, so never went there again for any celebration. Snobs.
Been to Aliante station the last two times for fireworks. Always pleasant. It also helps that I live nearby.
I hope you have a better experience next year.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by quixotic59

OK, so we ended up flying in on July 1st and had decided to schedule some comedy shows for Fri, Sat, and Sun. as fireworks were not a priority for us. Final results: Friday - Arrived at T.I. at 7 to pick up Bill Cosby tickets for 9:30 show to be informed that he had cancelled due to scheduling conflict (read as low ticket sales) and ended up at Fremont Street (not bad), Saturday - Caught Brad Garrett at his new club at 10 PM show (excellent) , Sunday - Arrive at Harrah's at 7 to pick up tickets for 10:30 Improv show to find valet parking full, need half hour to find spot in self-park and then notified that Bobby Collins cancelled his performance.
After dealing with UNBELIEVABLE traffic, too many drunken fools to count stumbling around everywhere, being caught in a MASSIVE traffic jam outside of TI due to an accident on Friday night, and the last second cancellations, have decided to NOT do July 4th anywhere near the Strip in the future. Luckily, any off-strip activity during this weekend was pleasant enough to maintain our positive outlook on Las Vegas.
Just want to say, I have enjoyed a bit of alcoholic overindulgence in my past and totally understand the need to let go every so often, but why must so many of these idiots be so obnoxious when they drink?
Sadly, a number of these jerks were introduced to the somewhat confrontational New York City attitude we try so hard to leave behind during our summers in Las Vegas. I literally had to push one jerk on his butt as he was about to knock over an older woman and her grandchild.

Maybe the confrontational jerks were from NYC? I'm so glad I stayed away from the Strip and went to Red Rock instead. We parked our car across the street got out, watched the fireworks, and drove home. No traffic!

[lyra33]

Memememe- I'm glad you had a nice time. Luckily it was pretty dark where we were since we were in the empty/desert lot across the street. The fireworks were nice, not spectacular but definitely worth getting out and seeing.

[quixotic59]

Originally Posted by lyra33

Maybe the confrontational jerks were from NYC? I'm so glad I stayed away from the Strip and went to Red Rock instead. We parked our car across the street got out, watched the fireworks, and drove home. No traffic!

Wouldn't doubt it for a minute!!! Can't escape the idiots no matter how far we run!!! Next year, off strip on July 4th for us!!

On a related note, although we've said it before and will say it again, even during the mosh pit on the strip during the Fourth, from cab drivers and valets to waitresses, from Wal-Mart clerks to grocery store cashiers, every local we meet is helpful, polite, considerate and sincere. Kudos Las Vegans!!!!!!

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by quixotic59

Wouldn't doubt it for a minute!!! Can't escape the idiots no matter how far we run!!! Next year, off strip on July 4th for us!!

On a related note, although we've said it before and will say it again, even during the mosh pit on the strip during the Fourth, from cab drivers and valets to waitresses, from Wal-Mart clerks to grocery store cashiers, every local we meet is helpful, polite, considerate and sincere. Kudos Las Vegans!!!!!!

I think locals are pretty friendly. When I first moved here I was surprised when it was common for people to ask why I was here when they saw my out of state DL. And then usually they would ask why I was moving here, lol.
However, when you get out on the road it's every man for him/herself. We have a strange mix. One minute you have someone going under the speed limit, and the next someone about to run you over.