Independence Day in North Lake Tahoe is packed with activities. Head out early, grab a pancake breakfast, and pace yourself for a big day. Here's a quick guide to help you plan your day.

Pancake Breakfasts
Most every fire station around the area will be hosting a classic pancake breakfast - usually starting at 7am. A few of the favorites are the Truckee Fire Station on Donner Pass Rd. near the High School and the Tahoe City Fire Station on North Lake Blvd above Commons Beach.

Run to The Beach
Big Blue Adventure presents the Run to the Beach fun run. Run To The Beach 5 and 10k starts at the North Tahoe Regional Park.  From the park you have an option of participating in the 5 or 10k distance both of which finish on the "Big" beach in Kings Beach, CA. Registration at 7am, race starts at 8am.
More info: www.bigblueadventure.com.

Town Picnic & Fireworks at Donner Lake - Locals Only
The Town of Truckee holds their annual resident's bash. West End Beach, Donner Lake. $5. (Must be resident of Truckee). Picnic begins 9 am. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Must purchase tickets in advance. www.tdrpd.com or 530-582-7720.

Downtown Truckee Parade - See 2009 Video Below
Truckee is the center of action in the morning, with the Firecracker Mile fun race followed by the 4th of July Parade starting at 10am. This year, as a result of the cancellation of the Amgen Tour of California in May, the unawarded "King of the Mousehole" jersey will be awarded to the winner of the new "Truckee Bike Sprint" being held prior to the Firecracker Run Run. The core of the parade, including judging, takes place in historic Downtown Truckee along Donner Pass Rd.

Northstar Kids Parade
Northstar at Tahoe will hold a kids parade in the Village at Northstar, including a pre-parade decoration party where kids can decorate their bikes, scooters, etc. Decorating starts at noon, with the parade at 2:30pm.

Tahoe City Fireworks
Stick around Tahoe City, grab a bite, and then look to the lake at approximately 9:15 for a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Tahoe. Best viewing spots are along the Commons Beach area, and in local lakefront restaurants like Wolfdale's and Jake's on the Lake.

Blue Agave After Party
Step across the street after the Tahoe City fireworks and celebrate the 4th with local band, the Beer Gardeners. 9:30 - ?. 21 & over.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

2009 Truckee Parade Video

Watch Part Two of the video - click here.