Fourth of July celebrations circle the lake

Those in search of a traditional celebration of this nation's independence will have several options around Lake Tahoe.

In Incline Village, fireworks will be launched from a barge near Ski Beach at about 9 p.m. Incline Village's beaches will only be open to residents, but the fireworks can be seen from many other vantage points, including the ever-popular Mount Rose lookout.

Squaw Valley USA will launch its fiery missiles at about dusk on tonight, and the best viewing will be at High Camp.

The Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino in Crystal Bay will celebrate Independence Day by hosting the Nevada Army National Guard. The National Guard will land a Blackhawk helicopter at the Biltmore's parking lot at 9 a.m.

The guard's static display will include a second helicopter, trucks, personnel carriers, tents and communications satellites. In keeping with the patriotic spirit, the group also will offer a flag display.

The Biltmore is hosting the display as part of its $25,000 Guaranteed Great American Giveaway, which started on Memorial Day.

Uncle Sam will be roving the Biltmore grounds and an oversized American flag will be waving out front.

For more information, contact the Tahoe Biltmore at 831-0660 or

visit the Web site at www.tahoebiltmore.com.

This year's Tahoe City fireworks display will be launched from a barge off Commons Beach at about 9:30 p.m.

Details, call Elizabeth Ransom at (530) 581-8716 or Joni Harbarth at (530) 581-6900.

The South Shore of Lake Tahoe boasts the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi. The fireworks are launched from a barge about a mile off shore and are best viewed from the beach in front of the South Shore casinos or the Nevada Beach in Stqateline.

The show is accompanied by music simulcast on radio station KRLT at 93.9 F.M, and will start at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

In Truckee, there will be no fireworks, but there will be something - or someone - falling from the sky as a sky diver will launch the annual Fourth parade, which kicks off at Sierra Mountain Middle School at 10 a.m. and heads to Commercial Row, where the floats are judged.