2009 4th of July in Northern Nevada

Fireworks and Fun Mark the 4th of July in Reno, Sparks, and Tahoe

Jun 1, 2009

Wondering where to celebrate the 4th of July in and around Reno? You have several patriotic options including parades, fireworks, and fun.

4th of July is always a big holiday in Reno, and in 2009, it falls on a 3-day weekend, making it even more of a big event. You can find fireworks and outdoor celebrations all around Northern Nevada, here are the major celebrations and where they'll take place.

Virginia City 4th of July

Up on the Comstock you can enjoy the Fourth of July Spectacular, which includes a parade and free concert (parade begins at Noon at the Fourth Ward School). There will be facepainters and other entertainment along the boardwalk, and the fireworks go off at dusk, and it's all free.

Star Spangled Sparks

One of the biggest celebrations is Star Spangled Sparks. The celebration begins at the Spark Marina Park, and then moves to Victorian Square for fireworks over the Nugget. The fun starts throughout the day at the Marina, with the annual milk carton boat regatta, a kite flying contest, food, drinks, arts and crafts, fun run, entertainment and more. Bring a picnic lunch, and spend the day in a true old-fashioned 4th of July family get together.

In the evening, head on over to Victorian Square. They'll be entertainment, and the fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m. For details, you can call 800-843-2427 for the Victorian Square events and 775-358-1976 for the Sparks Marina activities.

Reno Fireworks

Carson City 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate the 4th for the entire weekend at Mills Park. You can enjoy carnival rides and games; arts, crafts, and food and drink vendors, or bring your own picnic. The fireworks are free on the 4th, and they start at around 9:15 p.m. To find out more details call 775-687-4680.

Genoa Pops in the Park

Enjoy the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra featuring with KOLO-tv personality John Tyson and the Carson Chamber Singers. Before the concert, enjoy strolling musicians and clowns. The fun begins at 1pm and the concert starts at 4:15pm. The concert will be held in Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. For more information call 775-267-2403.

Lake Tahoe Area Fireworks

Tahoe City celebrates the 4th at Commons Beach, located in downtown Tahoe City. It's a good idea to get there early to find a spot on the beach. Take a picnic, enjoy the beautiful view, and get ready for the fireworks that start at 9:30 p.m.

Truckee celebrates with a parade through downtown beginning at 10 a.m., and this is another great spot to enjoy the fireworks; the reflections in Donner Lake can be quite beautiful. Again, it's a good idea to get to the lake early, so you're sure to have a spot on the beach. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

This is a must if you love big fireworks extravaganzas. South Lake presents the largest synchronized fireworks display west of the Mississippi River. There are several great viewing spots along the lake in South Lake Tahoe, and many of the hotels right on the lake make good vantage points, too. A lot of the locals like to take their boats out on the lake for a view of the fireworks from the water, so watch out, it can get congested out there when the fireworks end. The South Lake Tahoe fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.

The copyright of the article 2009 4th of July in Northern Nevada in Nevada Travel is owned by Sherril Steele-Carlin. Permission to republish 2009 4th of July in Northern Nevada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.