The good times will continue around Lake Tahoe during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Despite a few hurdles with federally operated facilities, regional tourism officials and local business owners are welcoming visitors and assuring them that it's business as usual.

From Tahoe South News Release...

Oct. 3, 2013 (Stateline, Nev.) – Capital lawmakers’ dysfunction aside, tourism at Tahoe South is moving forward to keep its promises to visitors.
 
Independent business operators and tourism officials are collaborating to relocate wedding parties originally planned on U.S. Forest Service lands. Several outdoor activities that visitors can still enjoy include hiking and biking at Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Camp Richardson, Washoe Meadows State Park and Kahle Community Park. The Tahoe Queen (Ski Run Marina) and MS Dixie II (Zephyr Cove) offers daily sightseeing boat cruises. In addition, the entertainment options are still 24-7 in the Nevada style including the Improv at Harveys, Illusion Fusion at the Horizon Casino, gaming, dining and live music. Special events and sightseeing/viewing fall foliage are popular attractions during Tahoe South’s Indian Summer.
 
“We’re fortunate enough be able to offer visitors an array of attractions, outdoor excursions, activities, events and entertainment,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “But this situation shines the light on the fact that as a community, we always rally to take care of business. We are working with Douglas County, City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Chamber, businesses and partners to solve problems and ensure our visitors can enjoy the area's attractions.”
 
The government shutdown will not impact the day-to-day operations of Heavenly, Kirkwood or Sierra-at-Tahoe, and the resorts are still slated to open in November for the 2013-2014 ski and ride season.
 
The Visitors Center is the resource for information regarding travel plans and options -- what's currently in operation, and suggestions for any necessary revisions to plans. The California office is located at 3066 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (across from Sno-Flake Drive In), call (530) 544-5050 or visit www.tahoesouth.com for hours and more details.
 
LTVA is working with local and state government and agencies: Douglas County, City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Chamber and businesses to reinforce current messaging. The community agencies are working together to help South Shore businesses with alternative locations for weddings, events and tour groups. LTVA and partners also want to ensure representatives are aware of the financial impact on a major industry.
 
Many tourism related organizations, including the LTVA, are encouraging individuals to contact respective representatives on how the shutdown is impacting residents, businesses and tourism while encouraging officials to pass a continuing resolution.
 
“We’re doing what we can to help,” said Chaplin. “There is a key take away that even though our federal government is inoperable, local governments and private business are necessary to provide services and information to our residents in order to help stabilize our local economy. If there was ever any time that you wanted to send a message to one of your elected officials, it’s now – we need the support.”
 
Fall Festivities and Events:
 
The annual Oktoberfest celebration at Camp Richardson offers fun for the whole family, including the family pet with owner and dog dress up contests, German food and desserts, craft booths, face painting, pumpkin patch, bouncy house, live music featuring the polka styling’s of the “Gruber Family Band,” and the beer and wine garden, Oct. 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New this year is a special Emerald Bay Beer Cruise with featured Oktoberfest brews, signature mugs and German pretzels. Boats depart Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., for a 90-minute round trip cruise to Emerald Bay.
 
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe entertainment includes Blue Oyster Cult, Oct. 12; The Blind Boys of Alabama, Oct. 19; Leon Russell, Oct. 26; Gov’t Mule, Nov. 2 and Tower of Power, Nov. 30; (http://www.harrahstahoe.com)
 
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa showroom entertainment/events line-up features Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Oct. 5; The Male Review, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12; Lake Tahoe Fall Harvest Reggae Jam, Nov. 19 and Daniel Tosh, Dec. 21.
 
Head spinning Halloween costume get-ups will be mashed into a giant four-ring party at one price, Saturday, Oct. 26 during the 35th Annual Freaker's Ball at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa with $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Meanwhile, the “Naughty or Nice Costume Ball,” is hosted by Playboy models Crissy Henderson, Nicolette Shea, and Mei-Ling Lam at Peek Nightclub inside Harrah’s, Oct. 26. The spooky festivities continue with Peek’s “Yeah Boy! It’s Halloween” hosted Flavor Flav on Oct. 31 and MontBleu’s “Exotic Halloween Bash,” Oct. 31 is at Opal Nightclub.
 
The annual South Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival offers three days of sampling various flavors, sumptuous wines and celebrity chef creations, Nov. 8-10. This year’s event will showcase the talent of Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, star of Food Network hit shows Dinner Impossible and Restaurant Impossible.
 
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