May 1, 2023
FIRECRACKER MILE FUN RUN REGISTRATION HERE
The Truckee Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring back the Truckee 4th of July Parade! This must-attend event is the quintessential display of small town Americana. This year’s theme is “There’s No Place Like Home.” Festive and fun-filled, it is always a favorite and a true Truckee tradition with many families having come for generations. If you want a premier viewing location, get up early as avid parade spectators put their folding chairs out at their favorite spot right at daybreak. The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. following the Firecracker Mile at 9:45 a.m. on July 4th!
Still time to enter, but hurry!
Parade entry deadline is June 30 at 5:00 p.m. Parade entry fee is $80 – $70 for nonprofits. If your entry has more than one vehicle, the entry fee is $90; $80 for nonprofits. PARADE REGISTRATION
Parade Details
Truckee’s July 4th parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at the west end of town (with staging at Truckee High School), and progresses 1-1/2 miles down Donner Pass Road through historic Downtown Truckee, ending around noon. 101.5FM Truckee Tahoe Radio will provide music and announce from the beginning of the parade, Jim Simon and Ravn Whitington of Porter Simon will return once again as the MC’s announcing the parade downtown, joined by Town Council Member and former radio personality, Lindsay Romack. Crux Events provides the upbeat, rousing music downtown, as well as the judges stand. The lovely Mountain Belles will be singing their beautiful harmonies of patriotic songs downtown while the crowd awaits the first floats. Tahoe Truckee Media will be filming the parade and can be watched at a later date on Suddenlink Channel 18 or online at Tahoe Truckee Media.
The parade will start with the Tahoe-Truckee Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s presentation of the colors. This year we are honoring Town of Truckee’s Public Works department as the Parade Grand Marshall, for their heroic efforts this winter. The party begin with a parade of fire trucks sounding their horns, police cars and their sirens, big rig trucks, classic cars, horses, local nonprofits and organization floats.
BIG LIFE Connections VIP Seating Near the Judge’s Stage
New this year – get ready to enjoy special perks with VIP seating at the Annual 4th of July Parade hosted by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce!
Starting at 9:00 a.m., you’ll have access to comfortable seating next to the judge’s stage. And hey, we’ve got you covered with free coffee and tasty treats to keep you fueled up. From this prime spot, you’ll get the best view of the parade, allowing you to experience all the excitement up close and personal. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity—there are only 20 seats available, so sign up now! REGISTER
A Crowd Favorite: The Truckee River Drill Team
The Truckee River Drill Team has been a crowd favorite in Truckee’s 4th of July Parade for many, many years. They have more trophies than they know what to do with! No matter how many times people have seen them, they look forward to it every year and ALWAYS laugh, smile and love watching them!! Their irreverent style, made-up “precision” moves, hodgepodge “uniforms” of Hawaiian boots, zinc oxide and Sorel boots is classic Truckee. Bill Palmer was the creative genius and driving force behind this long-time Truckee tradition. Back in 1986 Bill owned Sun ‘n Snow Sports (where The Backcountry is today) and with plenty of skis sitting in storage, the idea came to round up some Rotarians and create a “drill team” parade entry. It is a throwback and homage to Truckee’s early days. Bill’s legacy continues today and has been creating memories for parade attendees for over 35 years.
In 2005, the Truckee River Drill Team “took their show on the road” bringing the Truckee spirit to Chicago, Illinois marching in their “signature style” at the Rotary International Conference parade. “Most of the Truckee River Drill Team and all the equipment went with the group on Amtrak from Truckee to Chicago. We were one of about 100 floats/teams in the parade down the Miracle Mile celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rotary. There were about 20 Rotarians in the group and it was the experience of a lifetime!!” – Proud Rotarian
Parade Categories for Trophies (and bragging rights)
Trophies will be given for Best of Show, and winner in each five classifications: Commercial (representing a business), Youth Group (18-years old and younger), Classic Auto, Open (your group doesn’t fit into any other category), and NonProfit.
Parade Filming
Truckee Tahoe Media will be filming the parade and it will be live-streamed on their website at www.ttctv.org, broadcast on cable Channel 6 and 18, and available as video-on-demand after July 4th.
The parade is put on by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Truckee, with logistical support from Big Blue Adventures and Crux Events. To register for the parade, CLICK HERE.
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS!
Their commitment to this community celebration is invaluable in the production of the parade.
Leave the car behind, forget the parking hassles, be safe and take the free shuttle service to and from the parade!
The Town of Truckee will offer free 4th of July shuttles from Prosser, Glenshire, Sierra Meadows, Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, and Northstar to and from downtown Truckee from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE.
DONNER PASS ROAD: For the 4th of July Parade, please note Donner Pass Road will be CLOSED to traffic from approximately 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from just west of Fire Station #92 by Truckee High School to Church Street downtown.
INTERSTATE 80: Westbound Exit #186 (Central Truckee) is closed to traffic from approximately 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
From dawn to nightfall, it’s a full day of fun! Here’s a rundown of all the activities!
Schedule of Events
Pancake Breakfast – 7:00-10:00 am
Start your day by fueling up at the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast put on by the Truckee Fire Protection District. This is their main annual fundraiser for scholarships. It’s held in Station 92 (11473 Donner Pass Road next to Wild Cherries) from 7:00 to 10:00 am. The event is free (donations appreciated, but not required) and a great way to start your holiday. Who doesn’t love hot pancakes off the griddle with butter and maple syrup on a beautiful summer day? Sit side by side with friendly people laughing and joining in the camaraderie. Fire District logo merchandise will also be available for purchase.
Firecracker Mile Fun Run – 9:40 a.m.
Get in a bit of cardio burst before chilling out for the parade and a sun-filled day of barbecues, beer, and beach by doing the Firecracker Mile Fun Run. This is a one-mile “gravity-fed” fun event for all ages and abilities. The race starts with the elite runners at 9:40 a.m. just before the parade at US Bank on Donner Pass Road and finishes downtown at the train depot in the heart of all the crowds. This is definitely a family, kid-friendly, dog-friendly event. Run, jog, quick or casual walk with baby in stroller – all work! Runners are encouraged to wear festive attire and are cheered on by thousands of parade spectators. This is a fundraiser for the Auburn Ski Club. REGISTER ONLINE or go into Tahoe Mountain Sports in the Safeway Center before July 4. Register early to ensure your spot. The first 500 entrants receive a commemorative water bottle.
4th of July Festivities and Fireworks at West End Beach – 1:00-10:30 pm
Tickets on sale now through July 3rd, while supplies last! Click here for all the details!
Cost is $10 in advance only from the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District (no tickets at the gate on July 4th). The West End Beach event is for Truckee residents and homeowners and you must show some proof to purchase tickets. Tickets are limited to 7 tickets per adult in the household.
Enjoy a full day 4th of July party at West End Beach, with fireworks at dusk. Spend the day with family, friends and the Truckee community with a day at the beach, listen and dance to music, play games, eat BBQ, and watch the fireworks. Gates to the beach open at 9:00 am, games and bands start at 1:30 pm, and fireworks are at 9:30 pm. Donner Lake gets super busy on this day – the 37 public piers fill up really early as do the shoreline beaches. People watch the fireworks from their boats or kayaks – being sure to have the proper lighting and safety gear. For fewer crowds, head up Old Highway 40 toward Sugar Bowl and find a big granite rock to throw a blanket on and take in the fireworks over the lake. When the fireworks are over, go westbound on Old Hwy 50 toward Soda Springs and take eastbound I-80 back to Truckee to avoid extended delays. Or head up to the Glacier Trail in Tahoe Donner for a short walk to a good vantage point – warm jackets and flashlights are a must.
