4th of July Parade to take new route through South Lake Tahoe

UPDATE 7.3.18: Information in this story has changed:

There will once again be a 4th of July Parade through South Lake Tahoe, and the community is invited to participate.

Celebrate the nation's birthday on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m. There is a new route this year. The parade will be staged on Ski Run Boulevard and head West on Highway 50 to Al Tahoe Boulevard where the parade will lead up Al Tahoe Blvd. and conclude again at Bijou Community Park with a community barbecue.

Individuals, businesses, sports groups, philanthropy groups, schools, etc., are all invited to participate and float entries are highly encouraged, and better yet,, there is no entry fee. An application is required to participate which assists in the planning and execution of the parade. Applications are available online at www.cityofslt.us/4thofJulyParade and parade applications are due by June 15, 2018.

Parade participants are to be in formation by 9:00 a.m. on Ski Run Blvd. and participants must maintain steady movement within the parade with 15 to 20 feet between each entry.

The parade will travel in both westbound lanes with rolling closures along the way. Both eastbound lanes will be open with no controls.

In 2017 there were 185 participants who walked the route. This year's route is shorter, and safer for the walkers as well.

During the May 15 City Council meeting, the parade was approved with a few budget cuts including livestreaming and video production. No cowbells will be ordered but the mini-flags are still a go.

All good viewing points with be on the north side of Highway 50, with lots of great spots to sit and watch including Lakeview Commons, city bike paths from the Commons to Ski Run, Rite Aid/Ross parking lot as there'll be an announcer for the parade located at the bus garage, as well as many other spots.

The City is buying food for a BBQ at Bijou Community Park again, one that will again benefit the American Legion Post 795. The park will also be the location to display of all parade floats.

Support the American Legion: A GoFundMe account has been established to raise funds for the local American legion Post 795 at www.gofundme.com/LegionPost795 The American Legion Post 795 is in need of updating and is a small post of 94 members. Post 795 is one of three Posts’ in California that owns their own building and land. They are currently in need of new carpet, kitchen, roof, chimney repair, and remodeling. The Veterans of South Lake Tahoe appreciate the support the community has given them over the years.