Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin ’91 begins planning the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade in Las Vegas, Nevada, months before the crowds arrive, jotting down ideas on napkins when inspiration strikes. Over the years, those scribbles have turned into full-scale productions, from a rodeo-themed float with a mechanical bull look-alike to a recreation of the iconic “Twist and Shout” scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This year’s addition: a 40-foot inflatable shark in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jaws. 

For three decades, Barnson-DeNardin has helped shape the celebration as executive director of the Summerlin Council, a nonprofit arm of the master planned Nevada community. The council organizes events, manages recreational programs and operates parks and facilities for residents. 

Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade floats have become full-scale productions. Courtesy of the Summerlin Council

The parade, first launched in 1995, began as a humble event with just a few children riding decorated bikes from the Summerlin Library to Trails Park down the street. Barnson-DeNardin, who remembers serving as a crossing guard alongside her husband in those early days, began her job with the Summerlin Council in the parade’s second year. 

Since that time, parade attendance has increased from approximately 1,000 to more than 35,000. Barnson-DeNardin attributes the parade’s success to the community’s strong desire for connection and the creativity and commitment of her team. Together, they’ve struck a balance between showstopping floats and meaningful appearances from community organizations, military heroes, the governor and Las Vegas’ professional sports teams.

“It is big-city pageantry, but it still maintains that small Fourth of July parade charm,” Barnson-DeNardin said. “It’s not easy to keep those two worlds together, but it’s really important to us to blend those two.”

Troy Gallo, who has been part of the parade’s creative team for more than 20 years, credits Barnson-DeNardin with helping it grow while staying grounded in its original spirit. 

“She’s integral to everything,” he said. “She does it on that high level and the boots-on-the-ground level, too.” 

Gallo said the reason tens of thousands show up each year, even on one of the hottest days of summer, is because of the spirit of the event.  

“There’s a feeling that’s created at this parade,” he said. “Even if it’s just for one day, Lezlie brings together the big and the small to make something so pure and authentic.” 

Early Influences

For Barnson-DeNardin, the foundations of leadership were laid early. Her father, a beloved high school football coach in Nevada, modeled what it meant to lead with purpose, discipline and care. She credits him with teaching her how to strategize and think in moving parts, a mindset she applies to parade planning. 

“I took his lead in treating the parade and all the entries like a game plan,” she said. “I would draft out designs just like his old game plays, with Xs and Os, and put all the moving parts together like in a game book.”

Her leadership skills were strengthened during her time at TCU, where she found both a sense of belonging and confidence. 

“What TCU gave me,” she said, “was an understanding and an encouragement to lead with strategy, of course, but also with heart and with integrity and innovation.” 

After graduating, Barnson-DeNardin began her career in corporate community relations. She eventually returned to her hometown of Las Vegas, where she worked for the Arthritis Foundation before joining the newly established Summerlin Council.

First organized in 1995, the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade originally consisted of children riding decorated bikes from the Summerlin Library to Trails Park. Courtesy of the Summerlin Council

The position of executive director gave her the opportunity to blend her strengths in strategic planning, brand development, community engagement and event planning in a way that directly connects residents and fosters pride in the Summerlin community. The role includes overseeing the maintenance of regional parks, pools and community centers, and also directing recreational and cultural programs.  

 “I had this really unique opportunity to start a position that didn’t exist before, with the mission to build a way of life and a community,” she said. “It was like it had been written for me. What a dream situation to step into.” 

One winter, the Summerlin Council covered a park hill with 50 tons of crushed ice to create a sledding experience. Another year, a full three-ring circus took place in a soccer park, nestled right between the neighborhoods. 

“I can look at an open space,” Barnson-DeNardin said, “and I have the opportunity to look at it like a blank canvas and think about what unique things we could do with it.”  

Parade Pro

TCU alumna Lezlie Brandson-DeNardin has been central to planning the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade since 1996. Courtesy of Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin

The Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade stays connected to its roots, with children on bicycles, now known as the Patriotic Peddlers, stepping off the parade each year. 

“Many of the parents who are bringing their kids to the parade actually rode their bikes in the parade themselves, so it’s kind of a second generation,” she said. “It’s still just such a special nod to the origins of those early days.” 

While the Patriotic Peddlers remain a fixture, the lineup continues to evolve each year. Barnson-DeNardin is always looking for ways to keep the event fresh and exciting, with the support of a team that embraces every challenge. 
 
“With my team, there’s this attitude of ‘Everything is possible,’ ” she said. “It really does take a village. Every year, this little parade family comes together and gives up six weeks of their lives to make all the moving parts happen.” 

Beyond Summerlin, the parade is also a celebration of the broader Las Vegas community. Professional sports teams, including the Raiders, the A’s and the Vegas Golden Knights, have become highlights of the celebration. 

Barnson-DeNardin said that her favorite parade moment was during the first year the Vegas Golden Knights participated, in 2018. The ice hockey team had just wrapped up their Stanley Cup run. Deryk Engelland, then team captain, took part in the event with his family; he told her they had been coming to the parade for years. 

“That moment captures everything we hope this event can be,” she said, “which is a celebration that belongs to everyone.” 

From kids on bikes to extravagant floats, the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade reflects Barnson-DeNardin’s belief that shared experiences build lasting bonds. 

“It really is the privilege of my entire career to have been a part of it for all these years,” she said. “Sometimes when I look back at it, it makes me feel so grateful to be part of a legacy that will continue on.”