Fourth of July -- dedication to crews

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION TO HONOR FIREFIGHTERS WHO EXTINGUISHED THE ANGORA FLAMES

Governor Schwarzenegger At South Lake Tahoe : "Safe To Come Here - One Of The Most
Beautiful Places In The Entire World"

( South Shore , Lake Tahoe , Calif. / Nev. ) – South Shore ’s traditional July Fourth celebration, “Lights on the Lake ,” is being dedicated to the firefighters and emergency personnel who recently extinguished the Angora Fire. With overwhelming enthusiasm, the South Shore community decided to move forward with plans for its annual fireworks extravaganza.

“Tourism officials were the first to question the appropriateness of holding an event in light of last week’s incident,” said Patrick Kaler, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The almost unanimous consensus was it would serve to highlight the area's spirit and resiliency throughout the country that Lake Tahoe recovery is underway.”

With 80 percent of South Shore residents involved in the tourism industry, a strong local economy will help support those most affected by the fire. In the past few days, fire officials have repeatedly indicated conditions are safe. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in Lake Tahoe today to announce that the fire threat has been alleviated, and the famous tourism area is 100 percent open for the July Fourth holiday. All tourism attractions are operating.

“Lights on the Lake ” is one of the Top Five fireworks shows in the county and takes place from a barge in the lake, assuring safety. The annual pyrotechnics spectacular attracts an estimated 100,000 spectators for an astounding show on the one of the world’s most beautiful stages. The American Pyrotechnics Association determined the “must-see” ranking based on the quality, variety, choreography and volume of fireworks.

The clear sky is illuminated over the spectacular mountain lake for 30 minutes with thousands of fireworks from traditional favorites to innovative shell patterns that draw oohs and ahhs from an appreciative audience.

The annual family tradition is choreographed to patriotic music and simulcast on local radio stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490.

Created by Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. and fired by Pyrodigital Consultants, this year’s show will feature a classic American soundtrack and international shell patterns imported from Spain , Italy and China . Traditional Kamuro shells will highlight the opening as a gigantic chandler pattern in the sky before streaming down, above the lake.

Also new to this year’s display are mine shells which will rise in beautiful columns of colors in sync with orchestral horn fanfares.

Farfalle Shells will form beautiful floral patterns with white, swirling flower pistils, while Ring Shells will feature unusual orange and purple hues. Visitors should expect other formations including jellyfish, octopus, stars, butterflies, cubes, and the ever popular happy face.

“Lights on the Lake ” Fourth of July Fireworks display will illuminate the sky on Wednesday, from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Launched from an offshore barge, the fireworks are visible from all over town. Numerous vantage points maximize viewing pleasure:

The Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II: South Shore ’s two Mississippi paddle wheelers offer a unique opportunity to view the show from the water. The Tahoe Queen features a Dinner Dance Cruise while the M.S. Dixie II offers its popular Fireworks Cruise. Both feature live entertainment and fantastic views of the evening’s display. Visit: www.laketahoecruises.com.

Tallac Historic Site: The quiet, off-the-beaten-track spot on Emerald Bay Road has a stunning view looking east across Lake Tahoe toward the fireworks: www.valhalla-tallac.com.

Nevada Beach State Park : This site offers one of the best views in town. Located about five miles east of the Nevada casinos on Elk Point Road, Nevada Beach State Park is an ideal setting for a family barbeque at the beach. A wide, sandy shoreline leads down to Lake Tahoe . Charcoal barbeques and picnic tables dot the beach. The view across the lake to the West Shore and Desolation Wilderness is unsurpassed.

Reagan and El Dorado Beaches : Located right where Highway 50 meets the Lake , these connecting stretches of narrow beach are front and center for the fireworks. Arrive early! These beaches quickly fill with folks who love to be right under the action.

Bijou Community Park : Set back from the shoreline on the corner of Johnson and Al Tahoe Blvds, Bijou Community Park affords a great view of the fireworks without the hustle and bustle of the beaches. Amenities at the park include restrooms, a skate park, a disc golf course, a playground, and an exercise circuit. The park is a great setting for families with young children.

Baldwin Beach : Located about 5 miles down Emerald Bay Road and backed by the Tallac Historic Site, this narrow stretch of white sand beach has great views looking east toward the downtown area of South Shore . Public parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, fire pits, and barbeque grills are available.

Lakeside Beach Grill: Located within walking distance of the casinos on Lakeshore Blvd. , Lakeside Beach Grill offers special Fourth of July dinner fare and seating for the fireworks. The dinner includes lobster, grilled chicken, salad, vegetable and glow in the dark party favors.

The holiday weekend includes some other highlights:

Harrah’s celebrates the opening of Gi Fu Loh, an all-new upscale Cantonese seafood restaurant, June 30. Harveys Outdoor Amphitheater welcomes “The Richie & Yuan Dream Concert," performed to sold-out crowds in Hong Kong , Beijing , Malaysia and Sydney . Natives of Taiwan , Richie and Pin Yuan are among the best vocal artists of their genre and are well known for their live and energetic performances.

Summer visitors can also take advantage of Tahoe’s miles of sandy shoreline, acres of crystalline waters, and myriad ways to get out and about. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and more await the adventurous. And, of course, Nevada ’s 24 hour gaming, luxurious day spas, and many fine-dining experiences lie in store for the leisure traveler.

For more information about headliner entertainment, summer activities and lodging at South Shore Lake Tahoe, please visit www.BlueLakeTahoe.com.

For information about South Shore Lake Tahoe, call the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or log onto www.BlueLakeTahoe.com.
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