South Shore waiting to make 4th of July fireworks celebration decision

STATELINE, Nev. - Earlier this week the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitor Bureau (IVCBVB) announced they were canceling its 4th of July fireworks display for the second consecutive year due to ongoing pandemic concerns and heightened summer visitation concerns.

“The COVID-19 impacts on the health and safety of our visitors and residents alike continue to create uncertainty in the planning and execution of this traditional vent,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of IVCBVB. “With our experience of high visitation in the Tahoe Basin last summer, the Coalition thought it prudent to take a step back to look at the event’s effect on our region as a whole.”

Shortly after that announcement the Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) said they are going ahead with plans for their annual Fourth of July carnival and fireworks show held annually at Mills Park in Carson City.

There has been no decision yet for the holiday display over the south shore of Lake Tahoe, known as Lights on the Lake. The sponsor of the show, the Tahoe Douglas Visitor's Authority (TDVA), is waiting for more clarity on large gatherings as summer draws closer.

"We've talked about it, but our contract gives us until May 21 to make the decision and we'll wait until close to that date," said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of TDVA of the popular fireworks display.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will be passing some decision-making power over the state's coronavirus measures to county officials on May 1.

North Lake Tahoe has not announced a decision on its fireworks show for 2021, one that was canceled in 2020.