4th of July Fireworks; A Source of Pride for Tahoe South

This year’s Independence and Labor Day fireworks display challenge has proved that Tahoe South is a team. As in other situations I recall over the years, we come together in times of crisis and demonstrate that we care deeply about this special place we call home. This summer, we as a community are forming a new team – Team Fireworks – and every member counts.

When the fireworks show was facing a possible cancellation due to litigation, local residents, business owners, government and agency leaders, even Tahoe visitors stood behind the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. Tahoe South’s July 4th fireworks are a point of pride, a necessary business investment, and a cherished tradition for more than 30 years. But our pride goes well beyond that holiday spectacle for the need to protect our crystal clear lake and our beaches.

Summer is Tahoe South’s busiest season. We love it. Our visitors love it. And to ensure generations to come can grow to love it, we continue to take care of the destination’s greatest asset, the lake. The responsibility to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity belongs to everyone. We always knew it, and now the LTVA through a collaborative effort with agencies including the League to Save Lake Tahoe, City of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service, and South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling, has launched www.adoptabeachtahoe.com with information on all programs related to daily and season long clean ups. Participation in the program after only two weeks is an overwhelming confirmation of how much people care for Lake Tahoe. I’m anticipating this stewardship movement, spawned by the partnership between public, private and individual cooperation will be the beginning of a more visible statement of responsibility we feel to lake clarity and scenic beauty.

The LTVA’s mission is to drive tourism and awareness for Tahoe South through focused messaging. The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority is the Nevada-based tourism entity for the South Shore that has historically funded iconic events such as the American Century Championship and the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series at Harveys outdoor arena. Both organizations understand the importance of the fireworks displays from an age-honored tradition and an economic perspective. Conservative estimates indicate visitors over the two holiday periods that feature fireworks displays (July Fourth and Labor Day) generate upwards of $35 million in lodging, retail sales, activities and attractions. The TDVA board, through its recent budget approval process chose to assume the responsibility for fireworks funding this year.

The LTVA continues to move forward with the entire community to contribute clean up resources through Team Fireworks, (www.ltva.org/teamfireworks). The site provides visitors and residents information on how to recognize and report potential fireworks debris and generate immediate response if suspected. The LTVA has established a hot line 775-410-0417 and an email address (TeamFireworks@LTVA.org) to communicate information on debris.

Summer is here. Enjoy it. Enjoy the spectacle, the oohs and ahhs, and after the last pyrotechnics fade from the sky, join the team, and ensure the fireworks tradition continues and that our beaches stay clean.