Seattle July 4th Celebration @ Lake Union | Beer, Food, “Top Five Fireworks Displays In The Country”

———

Related: Our Seattle Events Calendar & Ticket Giveaways

FREE STUFF: Join our newsletter and here for your chance to win HUNDREDS of $$$ in free tickets to top events in Seattle.

——————————–

Family 4th @ Lake Union
July 4th, 2012 | Opens 12PM, Fireworks 10PM

Gas Works Park
2101 North Northlake Way Seattle, Washington
(206) 684-4075 | More info: family4th.org

A Seattle Tradition for Over 20 Years

For more than 20 years, the Family 4th at Lake Union has been about uniting our community on our nation’s birthday for a unique day of commemoration. Not only is the Family 4th a long-standing tradition, it’s also recognized as one of the nation’s top fireworks displays. Each year, the industry’s leading fireworks are synchronized with a score chosen specifically for that year’s celebration. Enjoy the display and soundtrack in-person at Gas Works Park, or from any other vantage point around the lake by tuning your radio to 97.3 KIRO FM.

You can even watch from home because the entire show is broadcast live on KING 5, complete with the soundtrack and commentary from your hosts. The 2012 celebration is in development, and all the glorious details will soon be available.

Overview:

A Seattle tradition since 1988, the Family 4th at Lake Union is nationally acknowledged as one of the best Independence Day fireworks displays in the country.

The innovative fireworks show, set against the natural amphitheater surrounding Lake Union and synchronized to an inspiring score of musical anthems, compelled Time Magazine to name the Family 4th at Lake Union one of the Top Five fireworks displays in the country. It is also a long-standing favorite among Washington residents, with families and friends traveling from near and far for a day dedicated to good times and happy memories, culminating with a world-class fireworks display.

The Family 4th fireworks display features fireworks from around the world and is loaded with the highest quality shells available. International Grand Champion in fireworks design, Eric Tucker of Pyro Spectaculars, is the mastermind behind this phenomenal pyrotechnic feat. From Italian electrical storms to shells suspended by parachutes, Eric’s intrepid use of new materials means that every Family 4th fireworks display is a new and exciting event.

This year’s Family 4th (Wednesday, July 4) will again feature family activities, entertainment, and food vendors at Gas Works Park throughout the day. The evening’s awe-inspiring fireworks display begins at approximately 10 PM.

Parking

The Seattle Police Department will implement a street closure plan similar to the last few years, allowing vehicle access only for residents of the neighborhood surrounding Gas Works Park. You should plan to park outside the street closure area on July 4, and walk to Gas Works Park from there. There is limited parking for patrons with permanent disabilities directly across from Gas Works Park. Show your parking placard to the police officer at the edge of the street closure zone for access.

Biking & Walking

All event attendees are encouraged to utilize alternate means of transportation whenever possible. Walking or riding bikes on the Burke Gilman Trail is an easy way to attend the event and minimize post-fireworks traffic congestion. Cyclists may enter through an express access bike entrance on the northwest side of the park to take advantage of the free bike parking area inside.

Transit Options

Buses will be running on a reduced holiday schedule, limiting the number of buses operating, scheduled stops, and amount of guests they can accommodate after the fireworks. All guests arriving to the park by bus are encouraged to prepare an alternate method of return transportation.

Getting In

Gas Works Park opens at noon on July 4 and admission is free. There are two entrance gates to the Family 4th, one at the north end of the parking lot and the other to the south. There will be a security check prior to entering the park and all those entering are subject to search. Prohibited items:

• Personal Barbecues
• Alcohol
• Fireworks
• Pets
• Weapons
• Tent Stakes

Northwest Harvest Food Drive + Celebrity Dunk Tank

Once again, One Reel and Northwest Harvest are asking attendees to make a donation of non-perishable food items at the Northwest Harvest Booth at Gas Works Park. You can also stop by the booth, make a cash or text donation and dunk a celebrity in the Northwest Harvest Dunk Tank! 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 atnorthwestharvest.org.

Those who watch the fireworks from vantage points around the lake other than Gas Works Park may still contribute by donating online.

Playfield

Activities will include the return of the Playfield, live music, booths sponsored by local businesses, and more.

Food & Beverage

You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages into Gas Works Park on the 4th of July. Coolers are allowed into the park (subject to search). However, please remember that personal barbecues and alcoholic beverages brought from outside the park are not permitted during the Family 4th. There are barbecues on the grounds that you may use, and a beer garden will be set up for those of you who are 21+ (don’t forget your ID).

If you choose not to bring your own, a variety of food and beverage vendors will be open for business from noon to 10 pm featuring time-honored holiday menu choices of hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn, ice cream, and more.

Beer Garden