South Lake Tahoe Celebrates the 4th of July

Communities across the country are celebrating America's Independence Day and South Lake Tahoe is no different.

Thousands of visitors have come to town to enjoy fireworks, BBQs and family fun. There are many ways to celebrate Friday:

Head out to watch the 3rd Annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. Cars, trucks and other vehicles will set out from Les Schwab Tires at the Y and head down Highway 50 to the American Legion where there will be a BBQ. Sit along the street (the best views are on the same side of the street as the parade will be moving).

Heavenly Village will be hosting their free Friday night concert series from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Deep Fried Mojo. The village will also have the Rolling Chrome/Tahoe Thunder Car & Motorcycle Show, check out the cool cars & motorcycles. Includes trophies, poker run, 50's music, and more! There is also the Cool Car, Truck and Motorcycle Friday Cruise.

There is a craft show all day in the parking lot of T.J. Maxx at the Y.

Join in on the parties at The Landing Resort & Spa and Edgewood Tahoe. The Landing will have a 4th of July party on the terrace. Signature cocktails, dinner prepared by Jimmy's Restaurant, Music and entertainment for dancing as the sun sets. Edgewood's annual party on the beach and Brook's Bar are both sold out.

The Beach Retreat is having their popular All American Buffet with special access to the pier to watch the fireworks. You can also purchase pier access tickets.

Dinner Dance Cruise on the Tahoe Queen from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Boat departs Ski Run Marina and heads out to the fireworks launch spot. The M.S. Dixie also has a Dinner Cruise from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It departs from Zephyr Cove Marina.

The casinos all have night long entertainment.

Lights on the Lake Fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. All local beaches and boats have great views of the the fireworks. They are synchronized to music that can be heard on local stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the country's birthday, do it safely. Do not drink and drive and remember that personal fireworks are illegal in the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and all surrounding communities in the Lake Tahoe basin.