Fourth of July in Seattle 2010

Fourth of July in Seattle

The number one hot spot for fireworks is still Lake Union.  Seattlites had to fight to keep this one going with over $500,000 in contributions.  We can thank Microsoft, Starbucks, Tom Douglas and many individual donors for this event.  The Seattle display has been noted by Time magazine as on the country's TOP FIVE fireworks displays.

Called Family 4th at Lake Union and Produced by One Reel, (think Teatro Zinzanni), you can view Fourth of July fireworks from Gas Works Park, (1201 N Northlake Way) your boat on the lake, enjoying one of many restaurants or standing along the shore. 

Fireworks start at 10pm, and there are food vendors, a beer & wine garden and lots of family fun activities, beginning at noon.  It should be a spectacular event this year, celebrating community support with extra fireworks at the finale.  It is planned to last 21 minutes and reach heights of 1000 feet, even visible from West Seattle. 

Musical talents are jazz singer Great Matassa singing the national anthem and one of Seattle's favorite local bands "The Presidents of the United States of America" playing pre and post Fourth of July fireworks.

If you don't want to fight the crowds, you can watch them on TV.  Channel 5 KING shows the display and 97.3 KIRO FM broadcasts the soundtrack.

Another viewing location for Lake Union Fourth of July fireworks is the Swedish Cultural Center located at 1920 Dexter Avenue N.  $39 gets you dinner a spectacular view and lots of people to mingle with. 

A couple of boating options are the Center for Wooden Boats located at 101 Valley Street (on the lake), offering seating aboard the Adventuress for $15 - $45.
And a cruise buffet, boarding at 8pm from Kirkland City Dock for $68 - $75.

One way or another, this is one year I wouldn't want to miss the Lake Union Fourth of July!