Revelers Line Route for 4th of July Parade

The 3rd Annual 4th of July parade in South Lake Tahoe shows that hard work and persistence creates an event that people want to attend and participate in. Locals and visitors and their families lined the parade route from Les Schwab Tires to the American Legion where there was a presentation by the Legion and a BBQ.

The parade had 50 vehicles and 200 participants.

City Councilwoman JoAnn Conner and her business, Golden Bear Events, put on the event and it has grown each year.

"It takes a community with heart to pull off a parade like this," said Conner. "The response to the call for vintage cars to drive veterans was overwhelming, and the youth groups and business community really stepped up to support our local veterans while showing national pride. Watching the kids and families along the road jumping up and down and waving flags was great, but the one that got me was the veteran in his cover, who saluted the parade. When ninety-three year old World War II veteran John Filas, the Grand Marshall, hugged me with tears in his eyes and said thank you, it was very humbling. These men and women, including a young, homeless veteran, put it all on the line for us to be able to celebrate the Fourth of July. This parade was for them, and to celebrate the independence of the United States."

Many of the participants are already formulating plans for their entry next year.