Enumclaw Plans Bang-up 4th

Even though it's a three-day weekend, no use messing with traffic and other hassles by taking off for the 4th of July when Enumclaw is planning a bang-up Independence Day at home.

Enumclaw 2011 Stars & Stripes starts with a free pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at the senior center, 1350 Cole St.

From 10-11:30 a.m. there will be a bike decorating contest at the parking lot at Cole and Initial Street.

Then at noon there's the 4th of July parade on Cole Street. If you're interested in being in the parade download an application on the chamber website. Cost to be in the parade is $15. Staging for that event starts at 10 a.m. in the field near the library.

Events conclude with the fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. at the Expo Center fairgrounds. You can support the fireworks show by buying a 4th button for $1 at participating businesses.

Be careful with fireworks

Retail fireworks stands open Tuesday statewide and state Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy wants to remind everyone that the explosives can be dangerous. Last year, 575 fireworks incidents were reported. They included 162 injuries, of which 50 were children under the age of 14. 

Fireworks already can also be purchased at the Muckleshoot Reservation, as close as about six miles west of Enumclaw, although most of the stands are located near the casino about 12 miles away. However, it is illegal in this state to discharge those fireworks off  reservation land.

One way to avoid any problems is to attend a public display, but if you decide to have your own fireworks show, the state recommends these safety tips:

-Only adults should light fireworks.

-Fireworks should be stored in secured locations so children can’t get to them.

-Check with your local fire or police department for additional restrictions.

-Talk about safety with everyone, especially children.  Summer weather makes grass and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire. Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks.

-Make sure the fireworks you purchase are legal to possess and discharge.  Know the dates and times fireworks are allowed in your community. Stay away from high powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s and M100’s.  The illegal fireworks can cause devastating injuries and even result in death.

-Have water nearby in case of a fire and put pets indoors.

-Clean up fireworks debris.

For more information call the state fire marshal at (360) 596-3913.

Publish your photos

Also related to the 4th, Enumclaw Patch would be interested in publishing photos that you take during the holiday, whether it be family fun, food feasts or patriotic events.

Uploading photos to Patch is easy. Just click the link where it says "Manage your photos and videos" underneath the photo box on this story, select the photos you want to share from your computer and hit "upload."  Your name will already be in the credits, so all you have to do is add  the caption by clicking on "edit your photos." When you're done, just click "save."