Fireworks

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Twice a year South Lake Tahoe pulls out all the stops to put forward a fireworks extravaganza that swells your heart with patriotism and pride. Both Labor Day and July Fourth have become traditional party days here in the basin, with the 4th signifying the beginning of high season and Labor Day marking the end. The fireworks are typically launched from several barges (including the original M.S. Dixie) moored just off the South Shore at Stateline. The two best places to watch are Edgewood and Lakeside Beach, boht of which are private. To watch from Edgewood you must be invited by one of the sponsoring casinos, and to watch from Lakeside Beach you must have a homeowners pass there. Nevada Beach is another prime spot and Regan Beach is also good, but not as close as some would like. Once you ar past Regan Beach they are too far away in my opinion and once you past Nevada Beach there are hills blocking the view. Of course the best option is to be on a boat directly under the fireworks. If you're on a boat be sure to bring warm clothes. It probably won't be too cold at the end of the show, but three hours later, when you are finally getting your boat out of the water, it will be.
Labor Day also features the annual race between the M.S. Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen. The race has lost a little bit of flavor recently. It used to be between two local companies competing bitterly with each other. Nowadays, both boats are owned and operated by Aramark.