🎆 A Shasta Lake Tradition: The Annual July 4th Boat Parade 🎇
Every Fourth of July, Shasta Lake transforms into a sparkling river of lights, music, and American pride during one of the most beloved local traditions — the Annual Boat Parade! Whether you’re cruising the lake or watching from shore, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Boats of All Kinds Welcome
Starting near Sugarloaf Marina, right by Shasta Lakeshore Retreat, boats line up around sunset to begin their 3-mile journey north toward Antlers Marina. All are invited to join the float! From pontoon boats to wakeboard boats, participants go all out—decking their vessels with flags, festive lights, themed decorations, and patriotic tunes. Many of the boats will start festivities earlier out in lake in the area or at the marina.
Fun for Participants and Spectators Alike
The parade forms a glowing single-file line across the lake, giving everyone aboard a front-row seat to this unique nighttime spectacle. If you don’t have a boat, no worries—you can catch the parade from the shoreline or marinas along the route and still soak in the magic.
Special Appearance by Local Heroes
Adding to the excitement, the local fire department makes a special appearance, launching massive water cannons high into the evening sky. Parade boats can cruise underneath the streams—an unforgettable highlight that delights kids and adults alike. This is normally done at the Sugarloaf County Boat Ramps north of the Sugarloaf marina. There is lots of parking in this area if it is too far to walk from your home.
A Celebration of Community and Country
What makes this event so special isn’t just the decorations or the glow of lights on the water—it’s the sense of community. Families, friends, and visitors come together to celebrate freedom, summer, and the natural beauty of Shasta Lake.
Take a look at some photos from this year’s event and mark your calendar for July 4th. Whether you’re entering your boat or cheering from the shore, you’ll be part of a tradition that brings the lake to life in the most magical way.
Happy 4th from all of us at Shasta Lakeshore Retreat!
Additional Details
1. If you plan to launch your boat for this event and then take it out after, we recommend you use the Antler’s public boat ramp, then take your boat down to the Sugarloaf Marina about 3 miles south. This way you can get out at the Antler’s ramp rather than go all the way back to Sugarloaf.
2. For viewing your can really stop anywhere along the route from the Sugarloaf Marina to the Antler’s Boat Ramp.
3. If you are on a boat, make sure to have enough lights to navigate in the dark. Tends to be a little harder with all the lights on the boats.
Shasta Lakeshore Retreat offers 18 of the finest Lakefront and Lake View Homes on Shasta Lake available year around. Dog Friendly.
June 23, 2025
David & Lori Raun
Shasta Lakeshore Retreat
www.shastalakeshoreretreat.com
Lori: Cell/Text: (925) 200-6934
ShastaRetreats@gmail.com
