Guide to enjoying South Lake Tahoe fireworks, and helping clean up on the 5th

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To get a front row seat to one of the best fireworks shows in the country, it takes some planning. It will be crowded no matter where one goes along the Lake Tahoe shore, so pack your supplies for the day, relax, and enjoy.

Before you head to the beach, the City of South Lake Tahoe's 4th of July parade goes along Highway 50 from the Y to Al Tahoe Blvd from 10:00 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m. Grab a seat along the road (the east bound side is best) and enjoy. A special grandstand area will be by the Lake Tahoe Unified School District bus garage. The ending is at Bijou Park where there will be a fundraising BBQ for the American Legion.

Where to watch the fireworks

Beaches are the place to be, but expect big crowds since space spectators can sit on is limited due to all of the water in the lake. Go early. The road to Nevada Beach will close to cars around 4:00 p.m. (unless one has a campsite reservation).

State beaches along State Highway 89 will be quite busy as well and the cost increases for the holiday. Day-use parking fees at Pope, Baldwin, and Nevada beaches will be $20 and at Zephyr Cove Beach $35 to cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday.

City run Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons are very popular, and free. Get there early.

To get into Lakeside Beach near Stateline, the gates to Lakeside Beach open at 9:00 a.m. and cost is $10/person. To sit in the dining area during the evening at Beach Grill after 5:00 p.m., cost is $75 for a more relaxed atmosphere. Dining and drinking is optional.

There will be a day long party on the beach at Tahoe Beach Retreat.

Parties at South Lake Tahoe venues

Harveys Lake Tahoe will be hosting a public rooftop party on July 5 at 7:30 p.m. complete with family fun, food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased at the garage elevator entrance from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids 18 and under. Buffet on the roof is $30 per person and a cash bar is available. Space is limited and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hard Rock Hotel Tahoe is also having a rooftop 4th of July viewing party starting at 6:00 pm. Live music from Steel Breeze, BBQ Buffet, Fireworks and Synchronized Music Display by KRLT During Fireworks Show. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased HERE.

The Tahoe Beach Retreat & Lodge will be having a beachfront BBQ from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adults $50. Child (12 & Under) $30 Child (3 & Under) No Charge. Menu: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers, BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cobb, Potato Salad, House-Made Chips, Watermelon, Peach Cobbler, and Apple Pie. Beverages Included in Price: Water, Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Coffee Station. Cash bar available during dinner, all alcohol must remain in the tented area. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

The Edgewood Tahoe lawn 4th of July event is sold out.

On board the M.S. Dixie II puts fireworks enthusiasts right in the middle of the action on the water. Enjoy a gourmet dinner on the boat and the fireworks show from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for $240 for adults and $100 for kids. For more information, click HERE.

Beach House at Lakeside Beach - $75 to get in the door at the Beach House. Elbow room, can dine and drink or just enjoy a seat away from the crowd. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and is first-come, first-serve basis. To get into the beach only area, doors to Lakeside Beach open at 9:00 a.m. and cost is $10/person.

Beach Clean Up

There are organized beach clean-ups for the week after the 4th of July as well as many people just grabbing garbage bags and walking the beaches.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is spearheading cleanup of five Lake Tahoe beaches on July 5 at 8:30 a.m. Kiva Beach, Nevada Beach, Regan Beach, Kings Beach and Commons Beach....visit http://www.keeptahoeblue.org/news/events/keep-tahoe-red-white-and-blue-beach-cleanups-2017 for more information and to sign up. Local contractor Ken "Skibum" Curtzwiler will be at El Dorado Beach for the 20th straight year to clean up starting at 6:00 a.m. on July 5.