SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — South Lake Tahoe is doubling down on Fourth of July festivities, celebrating the holiday on July 3 and July 4.
Complimenting the big parade this year is the inaugural Fourth of July Airshow over the lake. However, there'll also be more than planes in the sky as well, because Edgewood Tahoe will have their fireworks show visible from all over town.
Here's what to know for the big day.
Fourth of July in South Lake Tahoe
Two airshows will join the Fourth of July parade in South Lake Tahoe.
The festivities kick off on July 3 with an airshow at the Lake Tahoe Airport. It'll run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighting some military aircrafts like the Pave Hawk helicopters and C130 Hercules transport aircraft. If you get an appetite during the show, then don't worry. Food will also be available via food trucks.
But July 4 remains the big day for spectacle. It kicks off with the annual parade at 9 a.m. The parade will go west from Ski Run Boulevard to Al Tahoe Boulevard along Highway 50, travel up Al Tahoe Boulevard and end at Bijou Community Park.
For a parade route visual, click HERE. Expect road impacts until noon.
Immediately following the parade is the 129th Rescue Wing and the inaugural 4th of July Airshow Over the Lake. It'll take place about 1,000 feet off Lakeview Commons Beach.
Fireworks Show
If you still have an urge for fireworks after all the airshows, you don't have to leave disappointed.
Edgewood Tahoe puts together a fireworks show that starts at 9:45 p.m. The show is viewable from all over town. According to Visit Lake Tahoe, some recommended viewing areas include Lake Tahoe, the M.S. Dixie II, Nevada Beach, Timber Cove Marina at the Tahoe Beach Retreat and Lodge and Lakeview Commons/El Dorado Beach.
Fourth of July fireworks safety
If you choose to celebrate Independence Day at home and bypass the parades and public events, you should read up on any ordinances in your city or county before buying any fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in certain areas of the state due to serious injuries and millions in property loss from fireworks-sparked wildfires.
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, an average of 18,000 fires are started every year by fireworks, both illegal ones and “safe and sane” fireworks” used improperly.
To celebrate the Fourth of July safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal says you should only use fireworks outdoors, and never near dry grass or other flammable materials. It’s also recommended to keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby when using fireworks.
Regardless of where you go in California, using fireworks that explode, leave the ground or move about the ground uncontrollably is illegal. These fireworks include skyrockets, bottle rockets and Roman candles. Anyone caught with illegal fireworks could face fines or even arrest.
All legal fireworks include the “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire Marshal on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks are legal, you can contact your nearest Cal Fire facility or local fire station.
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