Reno / Tahoe 4th of July

Reno / Tahoe Fireworks and Festivals

With the 4th of July falling on a Saturday in 2009, look for considerably more partying than would occur on a weekday. You can watch fireworks and join the festivities all around the area; Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Virginia City.

Fireworks Illegal in Reno and Washoe County

No fireworks are legal except approved public fireworks displays, period. According to Acting Reno Fire Marshal Joan Presley, "Even though it may be legal to purchase fireworks in some locations outside of Washoe County, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics within the city of Reno and in the unincorporated areas of Washoe County. Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail for each offense, and the laws also provide for seizure and forfeiture of all such materials from individuals by law enforcement." If you do it anyway and your pyrotechnic activities cause property damage or bodily injury, you could be wiped out financially for life. For more information, contact the Reno Fire Department's Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300.

If you happen to have some fireworks and would like to get rid of them in a safe and sane manner, the Reno Fire Department has an amnesty program whereby you can turn them in to a fire station, police officer, or sheriff's deputy, no questions asked.

Outside Washoe County, fireworks are illegal in national forests and on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Around Lake Tahoe, no fireworks are permitted in Placer and El Dorado Counties in California, and Douglas and Carson City Counties in Nevada.

Star Spangled Sparks

Star Spangled Sparks is an Independence Day affair based at Sparks Marina Park. Things get started on July 3rd with the Model Dairy Milk Carton Boat Regatta. Events continue early Saturday morning with free tethered hot air balloon rides, a pancake breakfast, fun run/walk, and Milk Carton Parade of Boats and Races. Those so inclined can strut their stuff in the Sparks Got Talent competition. At 4 p.m., the action picks up just down the street at Victorian Square.

Victorian Square will be in full party mode Friday afternoon and evening with numerous vendors and performers. Fireworks will be fired from the Nugget towers starting sometime after 9 p.m., when it is good and dark. I have seen this show; it's awesome and lasts a long time. You can watch the show from lots of spots since the Nugget buildings stand alone with nothing nearby to block the view.

• Star Spangled Sparks Events at Sparks Marina
• Star Spangled Sparks Events at Victorian Square
• Model Dairy Milk Carton Boat Regatta
• Fun Run/Walk Registration Form

City of Reno Scrubs 2009 4th of July Festivities

The City of Reno will not be sponsoring fireworks or a parade in 2009. The City Council voted to use the $7500 budgeted for explosions to support the hand cycling championship that is part of the Tour de Nez bicycle races.

4th of July Fireworks at the Reno Aces Baseball Stadium

Following their 7 p.m. game against the Sacramento River Cats, our Reno Aces will launch a 4th of July fireworks show. This week only, the usual Friday fireworks following home games will be on Saturday instead. Thanks to the Aces, Reno is going to have downtown fireworks this 4th of July.

4th of July at Lake Tahoe

Several settlements around Lake Tahoe will be lighting up the 4th of July sky with fireworks displays and related Independence Day activities.

• Incline Village: Besides fireworks on the 4th of July, the Red, White, and Tahoe Blue festival will include three days of family fun from July 2 to 4.
• Tahoe City: Bring a picnic and view fireworks from Commons Beach on Lake Tahoe's west shore.
• Kings Beach: Fireworks will fly on July 3rd. Get more info at (530) 546-9000.
• Truckee: 4th of July Parade starting at 10 a.m. Contact Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce for more information (530) 587-8808. Fireworks will fire off from Donner Lake. Call (530) 582-7720 for details.
• South Lake Tahoe: Star Spangled Fourth - Lights on the Lake should be spectacular. It's synchronized to music and is billed as one of the largest Independence Day fireworks displays in the west. There are lots of viewing spots around the shoreline, or you can book a ride on one of Lake Tahoe's paddlewheelers and watch from out on the water.

Carson City & Virginia City 4th of July Festivities

The Carson City RSVP July 4th Celebration is a family affair at Mills Park. Look for carnival rides, arts and crafts, and plenty of food. Fireworks will be on the 4th, but the party goes from July 2 through July 5. Call (775) 687-4680 for more information.

Virginia City will stage an all day 4th of July party throughout town. The annual parade will start at noon and fireworks are scheduled for after dark. Call (775) 687-4680 for more information.

Momboosa Music Festival at Lake Almanor

The Momboosa Music Festival is a tropical themed music festival set in a grassy meadow between the Lake Almanor shoreline and the town of Chester, CA. There will be a pre-party July 3 at the Baily Creek Golf Course. A full day of events starts at 10 a.m. on the 4th. with live music from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The website has details about ticket sales, directions, lodging information, and updated event listings. For more information, call (775) 851-4444.

4th of July Festivities in Other Southwest States

If you will be traveling in the Southwest during the Independence Day holidays, you need not miss 4th of July celebrations. Our About.com Southwest Travel guide, Elizabeth Mitchell, has a great article on 4th of July in the Great American Southwest. She has it covered for New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.