We did it folks. For the second year in a row, the Family Fourth is powered “by the People, for the People” (as One Reel says). Thanks to tons of local individuals and businesses, the show will go on this year. Here’s the day’s schedule:
- Noon-10pm. Free, all-day family-friendly extravaganza at Gas Works Park. Activities include euro bungee, climbing walls, face painting, and kite making. Food and drink vendors will be on hand. And a beer garden (bring ID for that). Stake your fireworks viewing spot early.
- Parking and 6PM Street Closures. Parking at the Family 4th is very limited. SPD will implement a street closure plan similar to the last two years, allowing only residential access near Gas Works Park after 6pm. Carry your ID to prove residency. If you’re hosting a party, give your guests printable invitations to demonstrate they should be allowed past the checkpoints. If you’re driving a couch down Wallingford Ave., no ID required.
- 8pm. The Dusty 45’s bring the tunes. High-energy rootsy Americana, the kind of music you’ll want to dance to. Keep an eye on lead singer Billy Joe Huels, who may just light his trumpet on fire at the end of the performance.
- 9:45 pm. Last call in the beer garden.
- 10:10 pm. 21 minutes of sheer sky rocket pyro delight! The show is produced by master pyrotechnic designer Eric Tucker of Pyro Spectaculars. Award-winning local jazz vocalist Gail Pettis will sing the National Anthem, with The Walter Kilgore Memorial Honor Guard presenting the colors.
- 10:45 pm. The Dusty 45’s encore performance.
- 11pm. Gas Works Park closes.
This year, One Reel and Northwest Harvest are asking for donations of nonperishable food items at the entrance to Gas Works Park. Northwest Harvest is a statewide hunger relief association that provides nutritious food to hungry people throughout the state in a manner that preserves their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger. A list of acceptable items may be found here. Or contribute by donating online at northwestharvest.org/Donate.htm.
Those enjoying the fireworks from vantage points outside of Gas Works Park can listen to the show’s musical score simulcast on 97.3 KIRO FM. Also, KING 5 TV’s Dennis Bounds and Meeghan Black will host the Family 4th at Lake Union live at 10 pm.
Finally, please enjoy this slideshow of photos I took on the fireworks barge Sunday morning. Thanks again, One Reel.
“But if you are DRIVING COUCHES down the street” you’ll be exempt from the laws that are in place for those who prefer to drive their vehicles!..Get outta here!!!The visuals I could imagine made me laugh–they were hilarious!!! So, I just want to thank you, Dear Writer, for making me laugh out loud! I remember one year about the time that cell phones were just catching on…these guys, occupying a couch on the side of a small hill at Gasworks, ordered a pizza! And the reason I know that is because I saw the pizza being delivered and I recognized the brave kids uniform…That cracked me up then, too. Wish I’d taken a picture of that… Oh well. Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July, 2011!!!
Thanks, Catherine! I can imagine how odd it was to deliver a pizza to a couch at the park, especially when cell phones were new. Awesome images you shared with us, thank you! Have a great Fourth!
Please whine like crazy to KIRO FM so that the DJ doesn’t provide vivid descriptions of the fireworks display during the simulcast – last year’s music was ruined by the
continuous chatter. I apologize in advance to those seeing impaired people.
Great write-up and photos Chris! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you to the church on 40th street opening up their doors for free restrooms! Several people in my party stopped and we were very thankful.
Now that’s impressive, Meredith! Even Starbucks closes their bathrooms in Fremont during Solstice Festivities. To hear a church opened doors to the community, well that’s just heartwarming.
Thank you, Nikki! Hope I did y’all justice!