Lake Tahoe prepares itself for multiple fireworks celebrations

The Lake Tahoe region will celebrates Independence Day holiday with multiple fireworks displays from virtually all points, with the first show set to kick off July 3.

“North Lake Tahoe is unique in that we have a series of fireworks events held throughout the region,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association. “Visitors to the area can take their pick in terms of when and where or enjoy more than one show during their stay.”

Kings Beach hosts their annual fireworks display Tuesday, July 3 with a free show just off its sandy shores at 9:30 p.m., as well as a deck party celebration at the North Tahoe Event Center beginning at 6 p.m. The deck party, which runs $15/person at the door, includes live music, food vendors and a no host bar.

Tahoe City celebrates 66 years of fireworks at Commons Beach at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. This event is free and is also well attended by families, many of whom bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs to make an evening of the festivities. Tahoe City’s lakeside restaurants are also popular with those watching the fireworks, with many offering special menus for the night, but book out early. Reservations are recommended.

Incline Village really takes things to the next level with their traditional Red, White & Tahoe Blue festivities scheduled for Saturday, June 30 through Saturday, July 7, which includes patriotic chalk drawing contest, opening ceremonies with a tribute to veterans, Tahoe Firecracker Trail Trek, flag raising, USAF California Air National Guard Static Display and fireworks Wednesday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. off Incline Beach.

In Truckee, the free Truckee 4th of July Parade, a fun, kid-friendly hometown event, takes place Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m., along Donner Pass Road ending in historic downtown. Before the festivities, visitors can take part in the Truckee Firecracker Mile, perfect for all ages and starting at Tahoe Forest Hospital. The 4th of July Fireworks is scheduled for Wednesday, July 4 at West End Beach at Donner Lake at dusk.

At Tahoe South is the Lights on the Lake display. This spectacular Fourth of July fireworks celebration is considered one of the top five displays in the nation by the American Pyrotechnics Association.

The show is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. and is simultaneously broadcast with a music soundtrack on KRLT 93.9 FM and KOWL 1490 radio stations. The fireworks are visible from all over town. Below are some of the sweet spots to get a front row seat.

— The Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II: South Shore’s two Mississippi paddlewheelers offer a unique opportunity to view the light show from the water. Board the Tahoe Queen for a Dinner Dance Cruise or the M.S. Dixie II for a Fireworks Cruise. Both feature live entertainment and fantastic views of the evening’s display. Log onto www.laketahoecruises.com.
Nevada Beach: Located about two miles east of the Nevada casinos on Elk Point Road, Nevada Beach is the ideal setting for a family barbecue at the beach. A wide, sandy shoreline leads down to the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe. Charcoal barbecues and picnic tables dot the beach. The view across the lake to the West Shore and Desolation Wilderness is unsurpassed. And the view of the fireworks display is one of the best in town.
Timber Cove Marina: Offering front row seating that fills up fast.
Bijou Community Park: Set back from the shoreline and boasts a skate park, disc golf course, dog park, golf course, and playground to keep the whole family entertained while holding your ideal viewing spot
The Tallac Historic Site: Off Emerald Bay Road, has an east-view perspective with nearby Baldwin Beach. For the more adventurous, the top of Mount Tallac offers a bird’s eye view of the fireworks extravaganza, but don’t forget your headlamp for the trek back down.
Edgewood-Tahoe: Watch the fireworks show front and center from the beach to the south of Edgewood Tahoe's clubhouse. Go to www.EdgewoodTahoe.com

For more information about North Lake Tahoe’s July 4 celebrations, click to www.GoTahoeNorth.com. For South Lake Tahoe go to www.TahoeSouth.com