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Fourth of July in the Tahoe-Truckee area is packed full of events.  The only problem will be which on to pick!  Fireworks, beach parties, parades, beer festivals, fun runs, pancake breakfast and more. All with perfect weather projected to be in the 80’s.

Okay, let’s focus on my favorite, the Truckee Parade.  It’s not only the parade, but everything that adds up to a whole morning of fun.  Get up and get out there to start this holiday off right!   

At 7 a.m. the firehouse doors open for the Truckee Fire Pancake Breakfast.  Get there early so you have enough time for your food to settle because next up is the Firecracker Mile Fun Run starting at 9:45am.  Bring the dog (on a leash), the stroller, the kids, and the costumes because this run if for everyone.  Last year, some as young as age 3 even completed the race.  The course is a slightly downhill course starting at the Gateway Center on Donner Pass Road and ending in old town Truckee.  With thousands of cheering spectators, you will be the star of the parade! 

Click here for more information on the Fire Cracker Mile. (http://auburnskiclub.com/summer-fun-runs/firecraker-mile/)

Following closely behind my favorite 4th of July activity is the Truckee Parade.  Anywhere along Donner Pass Road between the firehouse and Bridge Street in downtown Truckee is a good spot to set up some chairs or a blanket.  My favorite is to situate myself in old town where I can wander up and down the historic streets, maybe see a train pass through, and be in the thick of the crowd.  This really is a scene that you would expect to see in a 1950’s movie.  The streets lined with people all dressed in Red White and Blue, kids with great big smiles waving as the hand-made floats, firetrucks, classic cars, marching bands, horses and this year, a gondola full of Olympians all pass by!  

You will not regret starting your 4th of July holiday off with these events.  I’m sure it will be one that you will remember for years to come… or a new tradition!