An application for Independence Day fireworks in Incline Village was approved unanimously Tuesday by Washoe County commissioners. The Incline Community Business Association formed the Incline Village Crystal Bay Fireworks Coalition and took over operations and planning of the annual fireworks show in the past year.
Since 2007, it had been run by Red, White, and Tahoe Blue, which turned in its application late last year while facing organizational struggles.
“I know this board and staff had to go through quite the turmoil last year and we heard it loud and clear in our community,” Andy Chapman, president of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau, told commissioners.
Fireworks are planned at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Incline Beach, 967 Lakeshore Blvd. Organizers are expecting about 10,000 spectators, according to information provided to Washoe County.
Various Lake Tahoe-area organizations are sponsoring other activities planned that weekend. Those include a pancake breakfast, veteran’s recognition luncheon, and duck race.
Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler, who represents Incline Village, praised the fireworks coalition for submitting paperwork in a timely fashion.
“Thank you for getting this done so early so we’re not doing this at the last minute,” she said. “I know we still have a lot to do on the event, but the fireworks and barge are very important.”
The coalition submitted its outdoor festival business license application to the county in mid-April and paid the $1,000 application fee and daily fee of $350.
Conditions to its application with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office include setting up first aid stations at Incline and Ski beaches, the insurance carrier naming Washoe County on its policy, traffic control plans, and a permit from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
