West Seattle 4th of July 2010 preview: One week away

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo by Gilbert, taken at Hamilton Viewpoint on July 4, 2009)
The annual WSB 4th of July events/info page will be up tomorrow morning for easy reference throughout the coming week. But while it’s still in progress, a few notes if you’re looking ahead to the holiday: The Admiral 4th of July Kids’ Parade is happening once again, with every kid in West Seattle invited to join in (families too) – followed by fun activities at Hamilton Viewpoint – details in our previous preview. Fireworks-wise, it’s the second consecutive year with no Elliott Bay display, but much of the Lake Union Family 4th show can be seen from northernmost West Seattle, particularly spots like Hamilton Viewpoint – this is the one saved by donations around the city, mostly from businesses (we chipped in, as did WSB sponsors Ventana Construction and Merrill Gardens). Some in southwesternmost West Seattle (Arbor Heights, the Arroyos) will have a view of the Three Tree Point fireworks, which are also donation-supported (more info here). And in case this is your first 4th of July here, a reminder about fireworks laws: They are illegal in Seattle, but not in unincorporated King County, where legal fireworks stands are allowed to open starting at noon tomorrow (the northernmost one we spotted setting up tonight is in the bowling alley parking lot across from Roxbury Safeway). However, even though sales start tomorrow, fireworks use in the unincorporated area (which is smaller since the North Highline South/North Burien annexation took effect this spring) is only legal 9 am-midnight on the 4th. (Leaving the area for the holiday? Here’s the full list of fireworks displays around the state.)

If you have a 4th of July event in West Seattle or White Center that’s open to the public, please let us know ASAP so we can include it in our calendar and on the forthcoming holiday page!

hopey June 27, 2010 (10:26 pm)

Last year there was some question of whether Jack Block Park would be opened by the Port this year for 4th of July fireworks viewing. Any word on whether that park will be open?

WSB June 27, 2010 (10:28 pm)

Good question! I will send the question now to Port of Seattle media folks in hopes they can answer us tomorrow.

Smitty June 28, 2010 (7:01 am)

Does anyone call it Independence Day anymore? I’m not offended, just always been curious why this one holiday has been relegated to being called by the date it falls on. Nobody ever says have a great December 25th, or what are you doing for January 1st or I can’t wait to take you out for dinner on February 14th.

Easier to say, I suppose.

miws June 28, 2010 (8:23 am)

I think you hit the nail on the head with it being easier to say, Smitty.

I guess I pretty much say “4th of July”, or more simply, “the 4th”.

I’ve been trying to make a conscience effort, in recent years, to start calling such things by their more official and meaningful names, but still need to work on this particular one, I guess. :)

Mike

35this35mph June 28, 2010 (8:32 am)

The WSP list doesn’t mention Vashon Island. Anyone know if they’re doing it this year? (Not generally visible from WS but still relatively “local.”)

WSB June 28, 2010 (8:36 am)

Vashon Chamber of Commerce website says yes.
http://www.vashonchamber.com
.
I seem to recall the late Tom Stewart bankrolled them at some point along the line. The clickthrough on the Vashon Chamber page (in a frame) says it’s being sponsored by the Hardware Store and Restaurant. Good point though, will include on the forthcoming page.

Enid June 28, 2010 (3:45 pm)

Any info on enforcement? We’ve already had fireworks going off for a week in Arbor Heights, including a series of explosions at 1:30 am Sunday that woke the entire neighborhood. Last year the message from SPD was “don’t call”. What’s the alternative?

Jim June 28, 2010 (5:11 pm)

Smitty, could be that Seattle having known it as the 4th of Julivar for so many years has gotten in to a bad habit. But in the same vein, I wonder how many people really know what Cinco de Mayo is all about. But then again Dieciséis de Septiembre doesn’t sound as cool.

OP June 29, 2010 (9:38 am)

Thanks for contributing to the Lake Union show, WSB!

I really wish a few other well-to-do local corporations (Amazon, Costco, etc.) would contribute to an Elliott Bay show.

Stephen July 2, 2010 (10:36 pm)

I’m encouraging all my friends to leave Seattle this weekend and spend their time and money somewhere else where Independence Day is a big deal. Independence Day without fireworks? Kind of like Halloween without allowing people to trick or treat because candy will rot their teeth. People can’t spend one day a year making a big deal over this special day? Pathetic.

WSB July 2, 2010 (10:53 pm)

Do you mean personal fireworks? There IS a fireworks display – over Lake Union, but visible from here. Few communities still permit personal fireworks, though. Unincorporated King County is for now one of the rare exceptions, including White Center.

Sorry, comment time is over.