July 4th in Truckee – it’s like no other!

It’s time once again to grin and grill, celebrating our country with family and friends. Truckee affords the finest in small town America celebrations and we’re here to give you the low-down on maximizing your fun this holiday.

Fourth of July morning begins with the Firecracker Mile at 9:45 am at the US Bank Plaza. This is a one-mile gravity fed fun run for all ages and abilities. It’s a fundraiser for The Auburn Ski Club’s Youth and Junior Nordic Programs. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and start your day right. You can enter to participate here.

Another Truckee tradition is the pancake breakfast at the Truckee Fire Station on Donner Pass Road, next to Wild Cherries. Carbo-load here for what you need to carry you through the day and support our local fire fighters at the same time.

Citizens and visitors line the parade route from the TTUSD offices parking lot at the west end of town along Donner Pass Road through the historic downtown area, where the judges viewing area is set up in front of the Chamber of Commerce building and local attorney Jim Porter provides color commentary as Master of Ceremonies. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and join them all along the way! Get there early to get a good spot and keep in mind the route will be closed to through traffic starting at approximately 9:30 am. At 10am the parade starts with Olympians Julia Mancuso, Travis Ganong, and Tamara McKinney, along with dozens of local business and organization’s floats. Can’t make it? A live streaming webcam can be viewed at tahoetopia.com!

Judges for the parade this year will include Dickson’s own Sandy Horn, as well as Mayor, Patrick Flora and others. Grand Marshalls are Dave and Rita Holtebeck, long-time volunteers for Sierra Senior Services coordinating the organization’s monthly Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for the past 7 years. Dave served as President of their Board in 2008. They also drive the van for the Meals-on-Wheels program, feeding nutritious meals to local seniors.

Please help us keep the parade safe by keeping in mind these few rules:

  • Please watch your children and do not let them run into the parade route
  • Please no water spraying – it is dangerous and slippery for the horses and many floats have expensive Audio/Visual equipment on them for music
  • Please no silly string – it can cause permanent damage to vintage cars and sidewalks

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!