New at the Local Heroes Community Fair: Build A Tahoe Bear
June 23, 2026 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Susie Scoops and Village Toys bring a brand-new, build-your-own keepsake to the Village Green on July 3rd, right after the parade.
There’s a new face on the fair circuit this year, and it’s a soft one. Susie Scoops/Village Toys bring the Build A Tahoe Bear Commemorative Edition to the 2026 Local Heroes Community Fair, and it might just be the cuddliest way yet to celebrate America’s 250th right here in Incline Village.
Here’s how it works: kids of all ages stuff and name their very own Tahoe Black Bear. We call him Benjamin – but he’s going home with you, so feel free to give him a name of your own. For $25, you get Benjamin, all the stuffing, and a commemorative 1776–2026 America 250 Lake Tahoe T-shirt to take home with him.
It’s a keepsake built for the moment: a hometown bear, a commemorative shirt, and a memory of the day Incline Village turned out to celebrate 250 years of America together.
Find Benjamin At:
2026 Local Heroes Community Fair
Friday, July 3 • 11 AM–2 PM • Village Green
After the Local Heroes Parade, stop by the Susie Scoops / Village Toys booth and build your new best friend.
Susie Scoops also brings you the annual Ice Cream Eating Contest at 1 PM – don’t miss your chance to compete or just cheer from the sidelines.
Wildfire Pro Shop Launches EPA Safer Choice Fire-Retardant Spray Program for Tahoe-Truckee Townhomes
June 23, 2026 | Member Submitted
Wildfire Pro Shop, Inc. announces the launch of its Wildfire Risk Reduction Spray Services, specifically tailored for townhome complexes throughout the Tahoe and Truckee regions. As insurance carriers increasingly pull back from wildfire-prone areas, Wildfire Pro Shop is introducing a proactive, EPA-certified solution designed to lower fire risk, stabilize insurance premiums, and alleviate pressure on HOA fees.
Townhome complexes in Lake Tahoe face unique vulnerabilities, including decks, shared walls, adjoining wooden fences, and combustible roof structures prone to pine needle accumulation. Traditional fire-mitigation methods have often failed to address these structural complexities effectively.
“Something more affordable and better was needed for these shared-wall structures,” says the founder of Wildfire Pro Shop, a nationally recognized expert in fire defense who has sprayed more square footage of wood-framed structures for national builders than any other specialist in the industry. “Our program provides a true additional risk-reduction strategy that addresses the specific vulnerabilities of townhome clusters, making them more defensible than just trimming.”
The core ingredient of the Wildfire Pro Shop Spray Program is that it’s the only EPA Safer Choice-certified fire retardant in the wildfire risk-reduction industry. The U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program certifies chemical products made with ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the environment. Unlike other retardants that may use undisclosed “trade secret” chemistries, Wildfire Pro Shop’s product undergoes rigorous toxicological reviews in which every ingredient and its breakdown byproducts are evaluated for health and safety.
This commitment to safety and being more environmentally friendly is a critical Sierra differentiator. By utilizing non-toxic, certified chemistry, Wildfire Pro Shop provides essential protection without the environmental concerns associated with other fire-retardant applications. The best part is that the chemistry is a nutrient that the science proved it can support the roots of trees in drought conditions to move water better.
For more information on the Wildfire Risk Reduction Program for townhomes, visit WildfireProShop.com or call 909-519-5470.
Summer in Tahoe brings sunny days, more people on the water, and more opportunities for aquatic invasive species to spread.
Golden mussels remain one of the most urgent threats facing Lake Tahoe. These tiny invasive mussels can spread rapidly, disrupt ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and turn Tahoe’s iconic blue water to a murky green. They have not been found in the Lake, and boat inspectors recently stopped an infested boat before it entered the Basin, showing that Tahoe’s prevention system is working. We highlighted this threat in a recent op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle.
One of the most effective defenses is also one of the simplest. Clean, Drain, Dry EVERY boat, paddleboard, kayak, piece of fishing gear, and water toy before hitting the water.
This month, we’re highlighting two Tahoe Blue Businesses that turn support for the Lake into sustained action. Through donations, cleanups, community events, and partnerships, Black Bear Lodge and Omni Tahoe are helping strengthen the shared effort to stop threats early and protect Lake Tahoe.
Too many local families have faced the difficult choice of leaving Tahoe – the place that they love – to find steady affordable housing. Those who choose to stay often bounce from rental to rental, believing home ownership is an impossible dream. Down payment assistance programs like WHPP (Workforce Housing Preservation Program) offered through Placer County are providing a pathway to home ownership in the North Lake Tahoe region. In this episode of Voices for Housing we meet Katie and Mike. The WHPP program helped them make homeownership a reality. Click on the photo above to watch the full video.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra will present two themed summer concerts in Reno and Lake Tahoe: A Jazz/Rock Odyssey in July and A Tribute to George Benson in August.
A Jazz/Rock Odyssey will be performed July 28 at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, Nevada at 7:30 pm and July 29 at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno at 7:00 pm.
The orchestra will return in August with A Tribute to George Benson, scheduled for Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. at the University of Nevada’s Nightingale Concert Hall in Reno and Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, NV.
Singer Matt Mauser will join the 17-piece orchestra for A Jazz/Rock Odyssey, a program that moves from swing to retro horn-driven music to classic rock.
“From Frank Sinatra’s smooth swagger to Elvis’ rock ‘n’ roll grooves, and Tom Jones’ powerhouse hits, Matt Mauser brings the music of these unforgettable artists to life through dynamic performances that entertain audiences across every generation,” Music Director Greg Johnson said.
Johnson said Mauser brings both crooner and rock sensibilities to the performance.
“There are very few entertainers who can traverse the vocal versatility terrain in the manner Matt can,” Johnson said. “Without missing a beat, he can casually croon Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ then roll into a toe-tapping rendition of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues.'”
For A Tribute to George Benson, guitarist Colin Cook and vocalist Kyle Rea will perform with the orchestra at both concerts. The program will celebrate Benson’s blend of jazz and R&B with selections including “Breezin’,” “Give Me the Night,” “This Masquerade,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Never Give Up on a Good Thing.”
“Both concerts will feature big band classics, smooth grooves and iconic hits celebrating one of music’s most influential artists,” said Dr. Greg Johnson, music director of the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Cook, a Los Angeles-based guitarist, is a member of the Stanley Clarke Band and appears on Clarke’s forthcoming 2026 album Last Train to Sanity. He has performed in more than 20 countries and has appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and NPR’s Tiny Desk series. He also is an instructor for the music-learning platform Rocksmith.
Rea studied opera, jazz and piano at the University of Nevada, Reno, and leads the 25-piece Kyle Rea Orchestra. He has headlined concerts at Reno’s Artown Festival, performed at private events and appeared with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.
Founded in 1997, the Reno Jazz Orchestra continues a big band tradition shaped by musicians who performed with artists including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Luciano Pavarotti. The orchestra says its mission is to create big band performances featuring jazz standards, contemporary works and selections from the Great American Songbook.
In The News – Incline Village REALTORS Meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
June 22, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/22/2026, Staff Report
The CEO and five members of Incline Village REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, where they met with members of Congress and Congressional staff to advocate for policies that increase housing supply, build stronger communities, and support self-employed professionals.
During meetings on Capitol Hill, members and staff of the Incline Village REALTORS® met with Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and urged support for:
The More Homes on the Market Act, which would update the tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence and incentivize more long-term owners to sell their homes. Updating America’s tax law is a key pathway to more supply.
In The News – Pet Network Humane Society, Washoe County Regional Animal Services partner to strengthen lost and found pet services in Incline Village
June 19, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/19/2026, Staff Report
New agreement expands collaboration to reunite lost pets with their families and provide a seamless safety net for animals in the community
Pet Network Humane Society and Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) are proud to announce a new partnership designed to enhance services for lost and found pets in Incline Village and surrounding areas of Washoe County. Through a newly established Memorandum of Understanding, the organizations will work together to ensure that stray animals receive compassionate care, increased reunification opportunities, and a clear pathway to adoption when needed.
I am writing about my Dad today. It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, AND he is my Hero!
I can’t say I knew that when I was little. He worked 6 days a week to feed our family of 5 kids. I knew him more as a teenager, sitting around the kitchen table having rousing discussions with my parents and my siblings. He challenged us to be independent thinkers and certainly to be our own person. It was only as I got older, raising my own children with Richard, that I realized how much I was like him.
My children got to know their Grandpa Dutch very well, between visits to Minnesota and to Arizona in the winters. He challenged them to think as well, and it was fun to see the interaction between those generations.
That phrase, “everything I know, I learned in kindergarten”…so much of who I am, I got from my dad. Some of my core qualities are his: opinionated and never afraid to take action (but not always right), that driving passion toward doing stuff that needs doing, a strong work ethic, gregarious and outgoing personality, and a heart full of love for the people around me, even though I don’t always show it.
Take a moment to think about that strong person who shaped your life and be sure to tell them how grateful you are!
Also, at Incline Center, remodeling is starting in the old Rookies building. Finally! It will take all summer, but we can look forward to the opening of a new restaurant called Maddy’s. It will have an Eastern Mediterranean vibe and flavor!
IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!
If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org.
We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!
Looking for a last-minute Father’s Day gift or a fun way to celebrate together?
Spoil Dad this Father’s Day at Wine on the Water! Join us this Sunday for an afternoon on the shores of North Lake Tahoe featuring exceptional wines, delicious food, live music, exciting silent auctions, and breathtaking lakeside views—all while supporting local youth and teens at the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe.
Whether you’ve joined us before or it’s been a few years, we’d love to welcome you back for another incredible afternoon of great wine, great company, and giving back to our community.
Sunday, June 21 VIP Admission: 1:00 PM General Admission: 2:00–5:00 PM North Tahoe Event Center
Thank you for supporting the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. Every ticket helps provide local kids and teens with safe spaces, caring mentors, nutritious meals, and life-changing opportunities.
We can’t wait to raise a glass with you this Sunday, June 21!
The Kids Bike Parade, organized by our community event partner, the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation (DPSEF), invites children of all ages to lead the Local Heroes Parade on Friday, July 3. Decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, or tricycle in patriotic style and help kick off one of Tahoe’s most beloved community celebrations.
Whether it’s streamers, flags, pinwheels, or plenty of red, white, and blue, this is a chance for kids to celebrate alongside the firefighters, veterans, first responders, teachers, and community heroes who make Incline Village and Crystal Bay such a special place to call home.
Bike Decorating Kits Support Local Athletes
Need a little extra flair? DPSEF will be selling festive Bike Decor Kits for $15 at the staging area on the morning of the parade.
Every purchase helps support the Diamond Peak Ski Team, funding training, travel, and race opportunities for local youth athletes.
Event Details
Friday, July 3
9:15 a.m. — Check-in and bike decorating
10:00 a.m. — Kids Bike Parade begins
Where to Meet
Walk or ride to the IVGID Administration Building – 893 Southwood Boulevard
Please note that no vehicle parking or drop-offs are permitted at the staging area.
When the parade arrives at Village Green, IVGID will have a designated bike parking area at the entrance to the Community Fair.
We encourage families to park bikes here before enjoying the festivities. It helps keep walkways open, creates a safer space for everyone, and makes it easier for kids and families to enjoy all the games, activities, food, and entertainment throughout the fair.
After parking your bike, head into the Community Fair and celebrate with the entire community.
Thank you to the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation for organizing this fun tradition and helping create another memorable Fourth of July for our community.
