Decision expected in May on status of major Lake Tahoe events

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With formal events being canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns, there are two major summer events in Lake Tahoe that are still officially on the calendar. The holding of the American Century Championship (Celebrity Golf) and 4th of July Fireworks for this summer is expected to be determined mid-May.

Incline Village/Crystal Bay leaders announced their fireworks were going to be canceled earlier this month, but the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) board will be voting at their May meeting on the 2020 South Shore display.

Zambelli Fireworks, the long-time producer of the large display for TDVA, has been generous with deadlines explained the TDVA and Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority Carol Chaplin. She said they're waiting on the California and Nevada state directives on reopening of hotels and travel. If USFS opens up beaches is also a consideration. A decision is expected by May 15.

The American Century Championship is run by NBC Sports and they are looking at the same restrictions on whether or not to hold their celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe July 7-12. The decision to hold the tournament, or not, will be up to NBC, said Chaplin.

"We are hoping for the best," said Chaplin.

Both events bring a strong tourist base that contributes to the area collected Tourist Occupancy Tax (TOT) and sales tax. Celebrity golf also brings in the jets which contribute to the City of South Lake Tahoe airport's collected landing fee.

The holding of the annual South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade is still up in the air and there is discussion on moving it to Labor Day.

At this time, the status of the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Concert Series, which begins in June, is unknown.