New additions to South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade; Deadline to participate extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The annual 4th of July Parade in South Lake Tahoe is adding some new features in 2019, including a 20-foot-tall eagle balloon.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. the parade will leave the staging area on Ski Run Boulevard and head west along Lake Tahoe Boulevard (US50) to Bijou Community Park on Al Tahoe Boulevard.

There will be dancers, live music, floats, neighborhood groups with a Food Truck Park at the finish. A marching band isn't scheduled this year due to their high cost, but perhaps another one will find their wait to South Lake Tahoe.

“This is going to be an exciting year for the parade in South Lake Tahoe,” said Chris Fiore, Communications Manager for the City, “This year we’ve found plenty of new ways to celebrate our nation's independence and honor our veterans!”

News 4 Morning Meteorologist Steve Bender will emcee the parade from a new grandstand at Champions Plaza on Lakeview Avenue as thousands of parade participants look on.

“Steve is a lot of fun to watch in the mornings on News 4, and we know in his off time he enjoys everything Lake Tahoe has to offer,” said Fiore, “We are excited to welcome him to the parade and have him bring his energy to help us celebrate here in South Lake Tahoe.”

A Food Truck Park will end the parade at Bijou Park with food vendors of all
kinds to serve up delicious dishes to everyone who stops by. So far there are tacos, Mediterranean food, and all sorts of desserts and room for more to join them.

Every food truck will donate a portion of their proceeds to the American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe.

“This year we wanted to offer a variety of options to folks who will get a little hungry once the parade is over,” Fiore said, “We also wanted to make sure we were still supporting our local veterans and are thrilled with the generosity of the people in our area.”

The American Legion has also started a Go Fund Me Page, and we are asking the community to make donations by clicking here.

The deadline for applications to be a part of the parade has been extended through June 21st! If you want to be a part of the parade or food truck park click here.