West Seattle Blog…

July 4th

UPDATED JULY 3, 2011: Want to know what’s happening in West Seattle on the 4th of July? That’s what this page is all about. If you have a Fourth event that belongs here – e-mail us or leave a comment on the page. Thank you!

==========================
FIREWORKS INFO
==========================

SEATTLE’S BIGGEST FIREWORKS SHOW: Still no Elliott Bay fireworks. But from certain north-facing spots including Hamilton Viewpoint, Belvedere Park/Viewpoint and much of the westernmost stretch of Harbor Avenue, you should be able to get a good view of the Lake Union fireworks (after 10 pm)- event info here.

THREE TREE POINT FIREWORKS: Just south of West Seattle, this waterfront community presents a big display – if you’re interested in watching, consider donating (you can do it online).

VASHON FIREWORKS: Quartermaster Harbor (map), visible from some parts of south-/west-facing West Seattle.

IF YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE … Here’s the list of all fireworks displays around the region (July 4th AND other days too) – though it’s dated 2010, it’s the newest one available, so follow the links to event sites if you’re thinking about going far away to check one out

REMINDER ABOUT PERSONAL-FIREWORKS LAWS: Illegal in Seattle. Illegal in Burien. OK in White Center (and the rest of the unincorporated area) to use between 9 am and midnight on the 4th *only*, even though the fireworks stands will start selling them at noon Tuesday 6/28; read the county rules here.

==========================
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADES
==========================

ADMIRAL 4TH OF JULY KIDS’ PARADE: This is the holiday’s only parade in West Seattle. All kids welcome to participate, with their families – walk, ride your bike, be pulled in a wagon, pushed in a stroller! 10 am, starts at 44th and Sunset (map), picnic and games at Hamilton Viewpoint afterward (free, but refreshments cost $ as a fundraiser – this year’s event preview is here, plus we have more information in subsequent updates here and here). King County Councilmember Joe McDermott is the special guest (there’s usually a high-ranking politician greeting the crowd at the start), and the Admiral Neighborhood Association provides the aforementioned concessions (bring $, also a couple $ to donate to the costs of this all-volunteer-run parade).

BURIEN 4TH OF JULY PARADE: If you feel like heading south, here’s info on their 3 pm parade – usually a West Seattle participant or two!

==========================
OTHER EVENTS (AND SHOPPING!)
==========================

HOLIDAY COFFEE (SMOOTHIES, TEA, ETC>): Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), 4410 California SW, open 7 am-5 pm on the holiday … C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, open 8 am-1 pm … In White Center, Dubsea Coffee says via Twitter that it’s open 8 am-3 pm, and 3.14 Bakery tweets that it’s open 9-noon.

ART SECONDS SALE: It’s a Fourth of July tradition! 9 am-3 pm, Avalon Glassworks parking lot. The public is invited to the Avalon Glassworks annual sidewalk sale of “seconds” and samples, extras and odd art glass. 2914 SW Avalon Way, next door to the Luna Park Cafe.

SOUTHWEST SEATTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEMBERS’ PICNIC: Noon-3 pm, Log House Museum; new members encouraged to join at the picnic. Potluck, so bring something, plus – bring family recipes for inclusion in a cookbook project! (Facebook event page has more.)

COLMAN POOL’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY: Celebrate at the outdoor pool in Lincoln Park, 1:45-4:45 pm – program at 4 pm (more details here)

ICE CREAM? Full Tilt Ice Cream tweets it’s open till 5 pm tomorrow …

===============
OTHER NOTABLE INFO
===============

METRO BUS SERVICE FOR JULY 4TH: Metro will be on a Sunday schedule

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth will be on a holiday (weekend) schedule.

ALKI TRAFFIC/PARKING CHANGES? Southwest Precinct says they’ll keep an eye on things, but nothing notable is planned (same as last year).

CITYWIDE TRAFFIC ALERTS FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Here you go – the roundup runs all the way through the 5th.

WATER TAXI SERVICE FOR JULY 4TH: Sunday schedule, according to the county.

PARKING HOLIDAY: Street parking in city pay-station/meter spots will be free on this day.

LIQUOR STORES: Most will be open; here’s the state’s announcement

===================
Again, if you know of any special West Seattle activities/events open to the public on the 4th of July that aren’t listed here, please let us know! We’ll continue to update this page as info comes in.