Unlike Brexit, things moved swiftly following the vote for Independence on July 2, 1776, formalized by the adoption of the Declaration of Independence just two days later. The Founding Fathers were so pleased with themselves that John Adams foretold of celebrations for generations to come that would include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other”. But because Adams believed the holiday should be occur on July 2, he was known to turn down invitations to attend July 4 parties in protest. These were revolutionary folk, folks.
As America celebrates the original Brexit today, the festivities hold a different significance for people living outside of these amber waves of grain. In the Philippines, for example, July 4 is commemorated as Republic Day, to mark the day in 1946 when it ceased to be a U.S. territory and the United States officially recognized the Philippine Independence. In Rwanda, Liberation Day commemorates the end of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Here’s a long list of liberation dates around the world.
If you’re looking for “pomp and parade” in your celebrations, head down to Gas Works Park for Seafair Summer Fourth on Monday, July 4 for a full day of events beginning at noon. There is plenty of fun to be found including “All American games” like sack races or beer gardens (age depending), food trucks, and a fantastic live music lineup featuring Cosmos, Grace Love and the True Loves, and Hey Marseilles. Fireworks start at 10:20 pm and last approx. 20 minutes, with the event wrapping up shortly after.
Traffic & Street Closures
At least 65,000 attendees are expected.
In other words, walk, carpool or take public transportation!
Neighborhoods to the north of Gas Works Park (from North 40th Street to North Northlake Way) will close to all but local access traffic starting at noon. Valley Street will be closed from Westlake to Fairview all day–from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. Expect heavy congestion in the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Union.
Officers will be stationed at the starred locations, allowing residents and their party attendees into the area. If you’re driving to a party in the marked areas, please obtain a written invitation from your party hosts, including their address! Keep an eye on traffic throughout the day by following SDOT’s traffic site.
On this July 4, I’ll celebrate the spirit behind all people’s search for freedom from oppression, for equality and the recognition of certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Which for me, means staying home.
Stay safe, and happy Independence Day to all who have the fortune to celebrate their freedom.
I respect the fact that you are passing on this information to the citizens of Wallingford, but please do not be gullible.
The City has no intention of enforcing this – they never have and they never will. This info is a bunch of BS. This city is totally out of control and lawless.
Last year hundreds of people came into Wallingford right before it got dark. They parked in people’s driveways, threw cans and rubbish all over the streets, parked on the corner of streets, blocking access to sidewalks. The police were no where to be seen.
The 4th in Seattle is like the wild wild west and not fair to people who live and pay taxes in Wallingford. I have little respect for the police here.
I wish the city would find another location. 65,000 people is too much for a neighborhood this size. Don’t expect to get in or out of the neighborhood after 8 pm and if you park on the street don’t be surprised to find a car window broken. Trash in your garden. At least they keep the traffic going in one direction north. Before they started that it was truly horrendous.
Agreed about finding another location. When Wamu went under, the one bright spot (I thought) was that maybe the fireworks show would go with it. Too bad it got bailed out.
This is something far more suitable to a place like downtown than any one neighborhood. Couldn’t the show go to where the old Ivar’s show used to be in Elliott Bay off Myrtle Edwards Park?
4 of July at gasworks used to be family friendly but rocket shapes have gotten out of hand. Get this disgustingness out of wallingford and make family friendly firework designs.
I’m glad you brought this up Dave. Not only are the rocket shapes disgusting but they explode, one after another, every few seconds! Try and explain that to the kids! It’s embarrassing!
Pastor calls them the devil’s foreplay because they go up very fast explode quickly and everyone goes home.
I live within the area on the map and there are always barriers up and police present. I think the parking issues may be worse outside the red & blue area! I don’t mind sharing my neighborhood once a year and I enjoy sitting out on Wallingford with my neighbors to watch the fireworks. Just plan ahead and don’t expect to have a parking place if you return home after noon.
Yes, it is inconvenient for traffic and parking, and yes, it would excellent if visitors would be good neighbors, but I am happy that this party is here once a year. I feel that the police do an excellent job of getting folks safely out of here after the show. What used to be a three hour mess of stalled traffic clogging all our streets has been reduced to about an hour and a half. Thanks… and be safe.
it really depends on where you are in Wallingford. The closer you get to the Lake, the worse it gets. And, no, I do not think the police do a good job, not with the 4th or with anything in Seattle.
I concur. I’m in the very south end of Wallingford, and from what I have observed over the years, the police do a great job with traffic, crowd control, and so forth. Can they prevent every single incident of illegal fireworks on the streets nor all the other misbehaving that occurs? No, they can’t. But I for one applaud what they are able to do to keep the event civil and safe.
Sure, the 4th of July celebrations have a huge impact on our neighborhood. I’m glad for the events in Gasworks Park, and I can tolerate a day of inconvenience when I know that thousands of people are having a great time. Happy 4th!
According to my recollection of trying to get out of there afterwards back in the late ’80s, I’d be surprised if it was all over in three hours. I think we eventually got out about 12:30, and there were plenty of people behind us. The event was not such a canned affair back then, though. Entertainment included performances by Fighting Instruments of Karma and if I remember right, Seattle Symphony.