Star Spangled Fourth - Lights on Lake Tahoe

If you're willing to make the drive and search for parking spots, the fireworks shows put on in communities around Lake Tahoe could brighten up your holiday.

Probably the biggest show in the area will be at South Lake Tahoe. It starts at 9:45 p.m. The simultaneous music broadcast can be heard on local stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490. Some will elect to see the show from one of the sternwheelers, the M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen paddlewheelers. Information: www.BlueLakeTahoe.com or (800) AT-TAHOE.

Almost any spot around the lake will be fine, but for many veterans of Fourth fireworks, Nevada Beach off Elk Point Road is a must. The beach is long and of soft sand and the views unobstructed. In years past some would climb Round Hill, but that can be tricky at night coming down.

Incline Village pulls out all the stops with a multi-day celebration through July 4, called Red, White and Tahoe Blue. Special events include a parade, a dress up doggie contest, opening ceremonies, ice cream social and hot dog party for kids and rubber ducky race. The festivities culminate with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival's "An Evening on the Green with the Reno Philharmonic in Concert with the Fireworks Display."

Fireworks also get under way at Kings Beach today. The show starts at 9 p.m. and can be best seen from the Kings Beach State Recreation Area and the North Tahoe Conference Center. The Village at Squaw Valley hosts a "Whole Lotta' Squaw," a colorful laser show and concert at the base of the mountain, with the Heartbreaker band playing the sounds of Led Zeppelin tonight. Tickets are $10 per family.

Tahoe City's 62nd annual celebration begins at dusk at Commons Beach on Friday, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Prime viewing spots are from the beach, where family picnics are popular, as well as locations throughout town along North Lake Boulevard. Guests can also make a reservation at one of many lakefront restaurants. Jake's on the Lake takes reservations for indoor dining. Deck seating is also open at Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique and Christy Hill Restaurants.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on a typical Fourth of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. It has only been one year since the devastating Angora Fire ravaged South Lake Tahoe. California is already wrestling with more than 1,000 fires statewide. The Police Department has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and city fireworks laws to protect public health and safety.

Discharging any type of fireworks, including "safe and sane" fireworks, is against the law in South Lake Tahoe. This includes devices such as simple sparklers.

In coordination with our community Independence Day Celebration, South Lake Tahoe Police personnel will confiscate any fireworks and issue citations to violators. Most fireworks violations are misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of not less than $500 and/or a year in the county jail. Possession of larger style fireworks may be prosecuted as a felony. In the event a fire occurs due to the unsafe use of fireworks, the responsible persons are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages.