Fireworks are seen over Lake Tahoe in this file photo.
Having a Fourth of July fireworks show in Stateline after Lights on the Lake was canceled was definitely a longshot.
But Gardnerville resident Jonathan Ruppel managed to put together a new fireworks show less than two weeks after the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority announced the cancellation.
“It was just out of nowhere,” Ruppel said of the support he received. “I was starting to lose hope a little when people started contacting me.”
The fireworks show will take place on the roof of the building owned by Michael Laub that houses the Lucky Beaver and CVS Pharmacy.
He credited The Shops at Heavenly Vice President and General Manager Gary Casteel Jr. with putting the effort over the top.
“He was thrilled with what I was trying to set up on my own,” Ruppel said.
The Shops had an event planned, but after running into an obstacle, Casteel contacted Ruppel and suggested partnering up for the fireworks show.
An interview with Ruppel was aired on KOLO-TV on Thursday morning where the formal announcement occurred.
“They said I’ll be the one to smash a guitar on the button,” he said. “But the bigger goal is to get the original shows back. People want to see fireworks on the Fourth of July.”
Ruppel’s effort to bring the fireworks back to Stateline was first reported in The Record-Courier on May 22.
The Hard Rock Casino has scheduled a fireworks show as part of its July 3 celebration. That show is $65 and includes live music and the 9 p.m. show.
