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In The News: Embracing Change and the Environment this Fourth of July

June 13, 2023 | Member Submitted

Originally published in MoonShine Ink 06/08/2023, Written by Katie Bigger

As Tahoe residents, we all experienced the devastating impacts of the Caldor Fire in 2021, as well as other massive wildfires in recent years, and witnessed firsthand the profound effects they had on our businesses and homes. Whether the fires directly impacted our own homes, our livelihoods, or the beautiful landscape that drew us to this area in the first place, it’s become an annual and truly unfortunate part of life for people in the mountain west.

I remember the journey of driving back to the East Coast, my car packed with belongings, leaving behind my home on the West Shore after being evacuated for the Caldor Fire. Many of us were forced to temporarily leave, and some businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of the smoke and fires. Every summer, in the back of everyone’s minds, visitors’ and locals’ alike, the question lingers when and if the smoke will settle in, or, worse yet, if another evacuation will happen. The aftermath of these, and future wildfires, has forever altered life in our beautiful mountain town.

The decision made by the Tahoe City Downtown Association (TCDA), alongside our neighbors in Kings Beach and Incline Village, to replace traditional fireworks with an aerial drone light show is a testament to the unwavering commitment of North Tahoe toward Sierra stewardship and sustainability. 

READ MORE >

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The Local Lens – Celebrate the 4th of July

June 7, 2023 | Linda Offerdahl

CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY WITH THE INCLINE VILLAGE SKYSHOW

New traditions are being established for the 4th of July. For the second year, a drone show will replace the traditional fireworks display. The event this year will be an evening of family entertainment culminating in a laser show followed by a drone show. 

Some background: Incline’s traditional fireworks were originally funded by some of the local philanthropists on Lakeshore: Michael Milken and Warren Trepp, along with IVGID and the Visitor Bureau. In 2006, Red, White and Tahoe Blue was established to host the fireworks, along with a weekend of events including a local parade. For years, we celebrated our country and our veterans with fireworks. The US Air Force Pararescue jumpers (PJs) performed a training mission over Lake Tahoe too. Then COVID hit and we could not have any celebration in 2020. The Red White and Tahoe Blue organization has disbanded the year before. The PJs cannot do their training mission on a private beach anymore. The beaches are overcrowded already on any weekend, but especially so over the peak 4th of July week. 

The fire danger in Tahoe has been steadily increasing. The Caldor fire in Southshore in 2021 was a wakeup call that we couldn’t ignore. It takes a lot more than one big winter to overcome that danger. At the same time, awareness and concern for Lake Tahoe clarity has increased. We can no longer close our eyes to the pollutants and massive effort, including scuba divers, to clean up the Lake after the fireworks. 

Enter a more technologically modern approach to celebrations: laser and drone shows. The drone company, Verge Aero, was selected for its quality drones with a longer battery than most. We can expect to see patriotic images as well as some of our local heroes such as firefighters and teachers. The event will be held on Ridgeline ballfields, behind Incline Middle School on Incline Way. Spectators are invited to join their neighbors for an evening of family entertainment. Food trucks and beer tents by Incline Spirits will be on hand. Bowl Incline will be selling takeout food across the street. DJ Mark Sexton and Emcee “Uncle E” will entertain the crowd before the laser and drone show. Most of all, expect to enjoy a relaxing evening  spent with your family and friends.

I hear a lot of complaining about visitors at this time of the year. Here’s a gentle reminder that most of those visitors own property and are the ones occupying their second homes over the 4th of July week. In others, words, they are locals, albeit part time. Travel North Tahoe Nevada, aka the Welcome Center is focusing their efforts on sustainable tourism. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to take the Traveler Responsiblity pledge to keep Lake Tahoe and its surrounding environment clean and free from litter. The IVCB SkyShow is an extension of our commitment to these sustainability efforts.

Please support the sustainability of the IVCB SkyShow by making a donation today

Get all the details on the 2023 4th of July IVCB SkyShow

Learn more about the entire three-day Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration.

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In The News: ‘Local heroes’ to be recognized during 3-day July Fourth celebration in Incline Village

June 5, 2023 | Member Submitted

IVCB SkyShow Photo Credit Matt Morning

Originally published with the Tahoe Daily Tribune 06/06/23

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline Village will host a “Local Heroes Fourth of July Celebration” from July 2-4 that will include, among other events, a pancake breakfast, parade, community fair and SkyShow.

The three-day extravaganza will commence with a Pancake Breakfast on July 2, followed by the Local Heroes Parade and Community Fair. Paying tribute to our esteemed veterans, numerous events on July 3 and 4 will honor their contributions. The pinnacle of the celebration is the Incline Village Crystal Bay SkyShow, a display of lasers and drones that have replaced traditional fireworks with a safe and environmentally conscious alternative.

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DJ Mark Sexton & MC Uncle E to Captivate IVCB SkyShow Audience with Unparalleled Energy and Enthusiasm and Sound

June 3, 2023 | Julie Malkin-Manning

The IVCB SkyShow soundtrack will be provided by DJ Mark Sexton, as he returns to a bigger and brighter experience. Returning to create the soundscapes for the SkyShow again this year, DJ Mark Sexton will create the synchronized sounds of the Laser and Drone shows as well as perform DJ Sets before the shows.

Guitarist and songwriter Mark Sexton has had a longtime love for experiencing music from every possible angle. Whether it’s behind the microphone, singing and playing guitar for his acclaimed groups, (The Sextones & Whatitdo Archive Group), or from behind the turntables, performing a DJ set that tells a story. His deep musical roots and knowledge of music history put him at an advantage when conducting parties and taking listeners to new places while pulling deep cuts from his massive record collection.

Not initially taking DJing seriously, it wasn’t til an experience while on tour in Europe with his band, the Sextones, that he found inspiration. “There is a culture of finding the rarest possible records and playing them out in the club that night. DJs would come on playing amazing soul 45s after our band sets. I fell in love with it right away”. 

Since 2018, Sexton has gone full out with DJ events. Inspired by euro-nightclubs, his residency, “RSL Discotheque” at Rum Sugar Lime, and annual “Deeper Disco” have quickly developed a cult followings. Combining his expertise in audio mixing, and DJing, you can occasionally hear handcrafted edits of his own being played in those late nite sets. “I feel Reno’s DJ scene is deeply associated with the playa, which is amazing, but I’m looking to revive the old-school DJ culture that started in legendary clubs like Paradise Garage, or by mix engineers like Tom Moulton and DJs like Danny Krivit that paved the way for where we are now.”

Uncle E, also known as Chris Ernst, will work alongside DJ Mark as Master of Ceremonies. The IVCB SkyShow, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 4th, promises to be an electrifying experience for attendees, featuring an enthralling Laser and Drone Show. Uncle E will infuse the atmosphere with his infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm, ensuring an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

From the Olympics, Sea World and the ESPN X Games to the Surf World Tour, Moto GP and over 100 Red Bull events, Chris Ernst (aka. Uncle E) has had the honor of being the voice and personality that helps bring events to life. His mantra of educate, entertain, and inform has helped add value to a plethora of diverse sports while engaging millions of viewers. As a former professional freestyle skier, a pioneer of the Olympic Sport of Skicross and event producer/consultant, Ernst knows how to speak the language of events and bring them to life. 

As the Master of Ceremonies, Uncle E will kick-start the festivities at 7 PM by engaging the audience in a series of captivating activities suitable for the entire family. Attendees can look forward to participating in U.S. and 4th of July trivia, with exciting prizes up for grabs. Uncle E’s vibrant personality and interactive approach will create an engaging atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and enjoyment among the audience. *Bonus – Uncle’s E’s favorite holiday is July 4th!*

The SkyShow promises to be a remarkable celebration of patriotism, as families come together to revel in the spirit of the U.S. and commemorate the 4th of July in Incline Village/North Lake Tahoe.

For further information and updates on the IVCB SkyShow and the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration events, please visit ivcba.org.

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Be A Local Hero: Volunteer to Build Community this 4th of July

May 31, 2023 | Julie Malkin-Manning

Nothing brings a small community together like the 4th of July, but it takes a lot of hands to make smiles and skies light up.

IVCBA’s LOCAL HEROES 4th of July Celebration needs your help… there are a variety of volunteer positions available. GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE!

Shifts available include: 

·      Local Heroes Parade – Sunday, July 2 (8 am – 10 am)

·      Local Heroes Community Fair – PreParade Set Up – Sunday, July 2 (6:30 am – 7 am)

·      Local Heroes Community Fair – PostEvent Tear Down – Sunday, July 2 (4 pm – 5pm)

·      4th of July IVCB SkyShow – Beer Garden ID Check Station – Tuesday, July 4 (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm) *MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE*

·  4th of July IVCB SkyShow – post-show clean up and drone packing – Tuesday, July 4 (10:30 pm)

·      Community Decoration Committee (week of June 26)

·      Planning Committees – while we are mostly done with the 2023 planning if you’d like to participate in the planning of the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration next year, sign up this year!

If you have any questions about volunteering, please email julie@ivcba.org.

THANK YOU!

BUTTON: CLAIM YOUR VOLUNTEER SLOT!

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Invitation to Fundraise/Vend at the July 4th IVCB SkyShow – Limited to 4 – act quickly!

May 16, 2023 | Julie Malkin-Manning

This is an invitation for your organization or business to participate in the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration culminating community event – the IVCB SkyShow on Tuesday, July 4.

The IVCB SkyShow Coalition has FOUR fundraiser/vendor spots available. There is no charge for the space other than the donation of 5% of proceeds to the IVCB SkyShow. 

This is an ideal fundraising opportunity for your organization to promote yourselves and sell products* related to the 4th of July and/or your business – promotional swag such as glowsticks or other LED/glow products, patriotic flags, hats, apparel, etc. IVCBA will even help you to source them if you need them! *Food and beverage sales are not allowed.

You will be in the high-traffic Food Truck/Beer Garden area. The SkyShow draws a diverse crowd, including community members, local leaders, and influential individuals. By joining us, your organization will have an exceptional opportunity to engage with our attendees, showcase your products/services, and community engagement, while raising funds and awareness for your cause. 

The SkyShow will run from 7 PM – 11 PM. All vendors must plan to be set up by 6:30 PM at the venue/Incline Middle School-Ridgefield Ballfields. You will be responsible for bringing your own table, chairs, staff, etc. Tents are not permitted. 

Interested organizations or businesses: email julie@ivcba.org by June 7. 

While non-profit organizations will be given priority as fundraisers, private businesses are invited to inquire. 

Learn more about the IVCBA Local Heroes Weekend, including the IVCB SkyShow.

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Support the IVCB 4th of July SkyShow 

May 10, 2023 | Julie Malkin-Manning

The IVCB SkyShow is set to light up the night again on July 4th and your support is needed. The event is returning in 2023 and will be bigger and more inclusive, featuring more activities and food, and beverages! 

Three ways to support the SkyShow:

1. Make a financial donation to the IVCB SkyShow Fund to offset the actual event costs – which include not only the drone and laser shows + DJ, but event infrastructure and permitting and security.

IVCB SkyShow Fund is held at the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Funds are being raised on behalf of the Community Foundation for the purposes of supporting the IVCB July 4th community drone show. The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Nevada and serving the Tahoe region. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Tax ID#: 88-0362053.

2. Financially sponsor the IVCB SkyShow and see your name/logo in marketing and event collateral. Deadline is June 9, sponsorship levels are available below.

Email linda@ivcba.org to become a financial sponsor


3. Become an Event Activity Sponsor and add to the fun of the event while showcasing your business or organization. (Note: the Face Painting sponsorship has already been claimed by Inside Incline!) Deadline is June 15th.

Email julie@ivcba.org to discuss your involvement as an event activity sponsor.

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Register Today For Local Heroes Parade & Community Fair!

May 10, 2023 | Julie Malkin-Manning

Registration is open for the Local Heroes Parade, Bike Parade, and/or Community Fair on the Village Green. 

Organized by the Incline Village Crystal Bay Community and Business Association (IVCBA) and the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, the Local Heroes Parade celebrates our veterans, active military personnel, and our hometown community heroes. The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Kids Bike Parade will start the procession, followed by floats, classic cars, and walking groups along the route from Southwood Blvd to Incline Way ending at the Village Green. 

The Local Heroes Parade and Bike Parade will end at the Community Fair located on the Village Green featuring carnival games, information booths, and freebies from various nonprofits, businesses, and service clubs. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office vehicles will be on display for their annual Meet and Greet with Captain Blaine Beard. 

Click here to register to be in the parade or community fair 

Click here to register to be in the bike parade

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Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration is BACK!

May 3, 2023 | Grace Hubrig

The best 4th of July celebration in North Lake Tahoe is back! Spread out over three days, there’s fun for the whole family in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Join us July 2nd-4th in Incline Village for the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration, which includes the popular Local Heroes community parade, kids bike parade, NLTFPD pancake breakfast, and more! Kids bike parade registration coming soon.

See the schedule >

Register to be in the Community Parade or have a booth at the Community Fair >

Plus, the IVCB SkyShow presented by the IVCB SkyShow Coalition returns this year due to popular demand. Enjoy the evening of the 4th of July in the most epic way with a drone skyshow, laser show, music, games, and more. We need your help! Donate to the SkyShow to support this environmentally-friendly and innovative event. Your tax-deductible donation will help make this event possible.

Donate to the SkyShow >

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Local Heroes 4th of July Weekend is Back!

March 1, 2023 | Linda Offerdahl

Time to mark your calendars! The Local Heroes 4th of July Weekend official dates are Sunday, July 2 – Tuesday, July 4, 2023. It all begins at the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District with a flag raising and the annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, July 2. The Local Heroes parade, organized by IVCBA and the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, follows with the IVGID kids bike parade kicking it off on Southwood and ending on Incline Way at the Village Green. The Community Fair on the Village Green begins after the parade. The Beer and Brats event, sponsored by Incline Tahoe Foundation and Incline Spirits & Cigars, takes place at Aspen Grove next to the Community Fair.

Monday brings more celebration of our Vets with the Recognition Luncheon sponsored by Cornerstone Community Church and the Flag Retirement Ceremony on the Village Green. Tuesday is the 4th of July!  The annual IVCB Veterans Club Pancake Breakfast at Aspen Grove starts the day.  The drone Sky Show on the Ridgeline Ball Fields is the finale and promises to be bigger and better than last year. Travel North Tahoe Nevada is the lead organizer of the Sky Show and is looking for donations from the community. The activities of the USAF Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) from the 129th Rescue Wing are still being finalized.

Organizations, please start planning your entry in the Local Heroes Parade and Community Fair!

IVCBA.org will have all the latest information and how to participate. Volunteers will be needed! It is not too late to add events to the schedule, email info@ivcba.org for more information.

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