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Anna King’s top 5 picks for Northwest fireworks and fun

July 02, 2024 / 6:04 pm

caption: Rural family fun at the Johnson Parade in 2023.

Ah, the Fourth of July. Some of my favorite Northwest memories are setting small firecrackers off with my brothers and cousins amid the drizzle on a Puget Sound beach from under a blue tarp.

Heck with the hot dogs! We’d fry cleaned butter clams Sicilian-style over a beach fire – smothered with butter and liberal glugs of olive oil along with chopped garlic, onion, potatoes, zucchini, and fresh-ground pepper. Us salty kids in sandals would fish the clams out of the sizzling cast-iron with crusty homemade bread as fast as our Uncle Frankie and fathers could cook ‘em.

We’d finish the holiday with a harrowing drive just outside of Gig Harbor over the Purdy Sand Spit bridge, known as “The Spit.” At dark, people still light off tons of fireworks on the side of the road toward the water there. An errant ball of colored fire would sometimes fly toward the car.

For this year’s Fourth, it appears a ridge of high pressure over the West will keep the weather fair with generally clear skies throughout Washington and Oregon. Seattle and Portland are predicted to have no rain, neither will Eastern Washington or Oregon, according to the National Weather Service. It’s gonna be just perfect for an adventure further afield!

When I’m not frying clams with my family, here are a few of my favorite happening spots for Fourth of July fun:

caption: Frank Lipera and his 87-year-old mother Anna Lipera, Anna King’s great-grandmother, fry clams Sicilian-style in a cast iron skillet at the family’s beach house near Gig Harbor, Washington, on July 4, 1981.

1. The Johnson Parade – Real-rural Americana

What: A hilarious family-friendly parade with big tractors and tiny trikes

Where: Johnson, Washington. It’s 10 miles south of Pullman on U.S. Route 195. Then, turn on Johnson Road for 2 miles. If you’ve gone to Colton, you’ve gone too far.

When: The parade starts at 10 a.m.

We started it in 1967, it’s our 57th year, God help us! It’s just the image of starting out as four kids, and now it’s maybe 4,000 people. It’s just so fun to see these old neighbors and friends that still continue to come and then the new folk who show up. Cripes, where did they all come from? CHRIS LYNCH, A CHARTER JOHNSON PARADE MEMBER. YOU MIGHT SEE HER BLOWING A WHISTLE TO START THE EVENT.

Locals’ tip: Show up early. People park their cars the night before. Organizers suggest that people park their cars on what used to be the old railroad tracks. The parade starts at the north end of town, loops at the grain elevator, and goes back to the start.

There’s also a hamburger feed at the Whitman County Volunteer Rural Fire District 12 that starts immediately after the parade. A cheeseburger or hamburger with potato salad, beans, chips, and a drink will set you back $5, and a hot dog combo is $4.

caption: Faith Perkins, 20, of Benton City, stands with her horse Bolero on Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Freedom Rodeo in Basin City.

2. Basin City Freedom Rodeo – Bulls, dust and love

What: The Basin City Freedom Rodeo – bulls, burgers, and a cheering crowd

Where: 100 Park Drive, Basin City, Washington

When: Gates open at 5 p.m. each day.

I was born and raised out there and I’ve been going to it since even before they fixed up the grandstands. It’s much better now. Since it’s PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) certified now there’s better entertainment, food booths and even a coffee stand out there, which is awesome. There’s a beer garden. The whole event has that real home town feel to it. The fireworks display is totally spectacular. AMY HALVERSON, A PASCO RESIDENT, WHO GOES TO THE RODEO ABOUT EVERY YEAR

Locals’ tip: No coolers or outside food or drink is allowed. The seating is on sloped grass. Bring low-slung lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen and hats.

Listen: If you want to hear more about Basin City on your way there, listen to my podcast, Ghost Herd.

caption: Revelers take in the show on Ruston Way in Tacoma.

3. Tacoma waterfront – Sit with your sweetie under the ‘works

What: Live music, food, entertainment, craft vendors, and fireworks over Puget Sound

Where: Along Tacoma’s Ruston Way from Cummings Park to Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park.

When: Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast is a cherished tradition that brings our community together in celebration of our nation’s independence. I’m thrilled to join Metro Parks Tacoma for this wonderful event, which is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and create lasting memories. TACOMA MAYOR VICTORIA WOODARDS

Locals’ tip: Ruston Way is closed, so plan out your parking.

caption: The Fourth in Long Beach, Washington, in 2023.

4) Long Beach, Washington – Beach fires and fireworks with friends

What: A free fireworks show on the beach

Where: Take the Bolstad approach to the beach in Long Beach, Washington.

When: Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

I think our [celebration] is pretty incredible, being right on the ocean like it is. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears. DAVID GLASSON, THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF LONG BEACH

Locals’ tip: Leave the pets at home. It’s too loud.

caption: A 2022 naturalization ceremony in Seattle, Washington.

5) Seattle Center – Catch a front row to new citizenship in action

What: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington will welcome approximately 400 new U.S. citizens during a special Independence Day naturalization ceremony under the Space Needle.

Where: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.

When: The ceremony starts at noon.

At USCIS we are privileged to administer the Oath of Allegiance to thousands of new citizens during the Independence Day holiday. These new citizens add diversity and character to our great nation, and we are committed to helping all who are eligible to experience the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as U.S. citizens. U.S. CITIZEN AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES DIRECTOR UR M. JADDOU

Locals’ tip: Take the Seattle Monorail to get to the campus quickly.

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