North Lake Tahoe fires it up for the Fourth

One summer, I watched a Fourth of July fireworks show from the shore of a northern lake, and I'll never forget it. The bright colors reflecting off the water made each explosion look doubly powerful. And the crowd gathered along the beach watched in mellow rapture.

So where can you go this weekend? Well, how about North Lake Tahoe? It plays host to a number of independence events and celebrations, and it’s not that far away (North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno area, two hours from Sacramento, and just over three hours from San Francisco airport). My pal, Pettit Gilwee, emailed me the other day about some fun events. Here’s a summary:

Incline Village July 2 through Saturday, July 4: parade, dress-up-doggie contest, ice cream social, patriotic chalk drawing contest and rubber ducky race. Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4, 9:30 p.m. at Incline Beach.

Kings Beach Friday, July 3 Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. and can be best seen from the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. There’s also a Viewing Party at the North Tahoe Event Center, right on the water in Kings Beach ($10, live music and dancing, along with a no host bar and food available for purchase).

The Village at Squaw Valley USA. Groove to Hell Bound Glory, a live, free concert with a country, rock ‘n’ roll twist Friday, July 3, 4-7 p.m. in the Plaza.

Village at Northstar in Truckee, Friday, July 3: Arts & Crafts Festival showcasing more than 60 artists’ work. Evening outdoor showing of the movie Little Giants. Kids’ Parade Saturday, July 4, noon to 2:30 p.m --children are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters, big wheels, pets or themselves and then parade through the village plus Arts & Crafts Festival.

Tahoe City’s fireworks celebration begins July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Commons Beach Saturday, Prime viewing: the beach, where family picnics are popular; or make reservations at one of Tahoe City’s lakefront restaurants (Jake’s on the Lake, Christy Hill, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique).

However you see the show, stay safe n' sane this holiday weekend. And Happy Birthday, America!

Details: Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 877/949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.
Photo credit: Tom Zikas/North Lake Tahoe