Celebrate July 4th in Your Hometown

Even though it’s a three-day weekend the Enumclaw chamber hopes people stick around or at least come home early enough to enjoy the local 4th of July activities.

Even if people leave they can still come back for the $6,500 fireworks show, scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m. at the Expo Center.

Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce director Tracey McCallum said organizers already are looking for donations for next year’s show.

“We’re going to be a little low on funds after this year,” she said.

The parade will take place at noon on Cole. There are 45 entries, led by Grand Marshal Justin Grennan, who recently was a standout contestant on the new TV show “The Voice.” Others in the parade include: the Gateway marching band, the All American mini ponies, King County 4-H Fusion performing arts and llama club, Rain City Horse Club, Carbon Glacier Young Marines and the championship Chinook All-Star baseball teams.

Vendors downtown will be selling ice cream, cotton candy, kettle corn, hotdogs and more.

The day will start with a free Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Senior Center, paid for by Mutual of Enumclaw.

Bicycle decorating for the parade will start at 10 a.m., also on Cole.

If you do head out of town, here are some other holiday options.

Where to Celebrate the Fourth

Renton

At Renton’s Fabulous Fourth of July and Fireworks, enjoy free children's activities and face-painting from noon to 8 p.m, stage entertainment from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. (sponsored by Sanctuary & The Reserve Apartments) and a professional fireworks display from a barge on Lake Washington at 10 p.m. Get more information here

Bellevue

The Symetra Bellevue Family 4th celebration will begin at 2 p.m. at Bellevue Downtown Park, and continue until 10:30 p.m., ending with the fireworks display that begins at 10:05. After 6 p.m. there is free event parking in Bellevue Square, and an easy walk from the park. The lowdown on events can be found at Bellevue Downtown’s website

In Bellevue, we also have a rare opportunity to visit the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, on display from July 1-4 at the Sunset Hills Memorial Park. 

Sammamish

Sammamish will hold its Fourth on the Plateau celebration, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. at the Sammamish Commons. Fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. Find out all about the events at  and the city’s website. 

Kirkland

City officials are expecting about 10,000 merrymakers this year. Sponsored by Celebrate Kirkland and based at Marina Park, activities include a kids parade (11:30 a.m.), the 12th annual old-fashioned patriotic parade (noon), the Rotary Club of Kirkland’s “Duck Dash” (3 p.m.), and the fireworks show (10:15 p.m.).Read more about it in this story on Kirkland Patch. or visit the Celebrate Kirkland website for details. 

Seattle

Gasworks Park at Lake Union is once again the site of Seattle’s fireworks show. The festivities begin at noon, with food vendors and a beer garden, and the fireworks beginning at dusk. Check out the event rundown here

Kenmore

Kenmore will hold a fireworks show over Lake Washington at Log Boom Park. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and visit the city’s website for parking information parking map
Newcastle

Lake Boren Townhomes sponsors a public fireworks display with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. at Lake Boren Park. Get more information here.

Edmonds

Check out an Edmonds Kind of 4th, with at fireworks display at 10 p.m .at Civic Stadium, at  6th and Bell.

Steilacoom

The Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce opens Lafayette Street to the public for the day-long July 4th Celebration. The event will feature a street fair, beer garden, Steilacoom Tribal Museum, family street fair, and finally, a fireworks show over Puget Sound that starts at 10 p.m. For information, visit the Steilacoom website. 

Fireworks Safety

Marshals demonstrated the dangers of using illegal fireworks. Read about it and watch the demonstration on video here. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office states that in 2010 there were 576 fireworks related injuries and fires reported and most were from fireworks illegal to own or possess in Washington. 

Keeping Pets Safe on This Noisy Holiday

The Seattle Humane Society issued a list of helpful tips to keep your pets safe and as comfortable as possible throughout the festivities.