Whether you were braving the crowds at Gas Works Park last night, watching the view from your favorite hidden peak on Queen Anne, or snuggling up on your couch to watch the celebrations on TV, the Fourth of July Lake Union fireworks were quite a sight to see. Check out some of the pictures–and headlines–collected from this year’s Independence Day.
A teenage boy lost a finger late Monday night after a homemade explosive blew up in his hand at the West Queen Anne Playfield, according to the Seattle Fire Department. The boy told SFD officials that he was hanging out in the park with other teens at approximately 11:30 p.m., when he found the explosive on the ground. From the SFD:
The boy says he picked the up device and it exploded, causing the severe injuries to the teenager. The force of the explosion knocked the teen out, and caused him to lose one of his fingers. The teen also had his hair singed and his leg burned.
Medics responded and immediately transported the teenager to Harborview Medical Center. At the time he was in stable condition, breathing, conscious and talking.
SFD crews say they found several teenagers in the Queen Anne Playfield setting off fireworks, and that residual fireworks were scattered around the park, as was a blown up trash can. The Seattle Police Department is currently investigating the case. From the SFD:
Fireworks are illegal in the city of Seattle. Every year the fire department responds to dozens of injuries and fires caused by these illegal items. These injuries and fires can be prevented.
According to KIRO TV, the teen was 18 years old, and paramedics were unable to locate the finger.
With warm weather in the forecast, it looks like it’s going to be a nice day. Combine that with tonight’s Independence Day festivities and it should be a fantastic Fourth.
Couple notes from the SPD and SFD to get you on your way today…
The Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department would like to remind the public that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle.
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.
As a heads-up as to what’s open, what’s on and what’s not happening today…
CleanScapes garbage, food and yard waste, and recycling collections will be on normal schedule. The North Recycling and Disposal Station will be closed, but the South Recycling and Disposal Station will be open.
All Neighborhood Service Centers will be closed.
Metro Transit bus routes will be operating on a Sunday schedule.
Libraries will be closed. Book drops at the Queen Anne library will be open, but the one at the Central Library will be closed.
The post office will be closed and there will be no regular mail delivery.
The liquor store in Queen Anne (515 1st Ave N) will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Interesting note: It wasn’t a Northwest company or person who got One Reel to the goal; instead support bubbled up from Coca-Cola Refreshments – Northwest Region, based in Bellevue. Other supporters include Microsoft, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Talking Rain, BECU, Charlie’s Produce, Merrill Gardens, Taco Time and Smith Brothers Farms.
From the press release:
“Fundraising for the 2011 event began in July of last year, and contributions have come from supporters throughout our region, all with inspiring stories and memories of this Northwest family tradition,” says One Reel Executive Director, Jon Stone. “With true appreciation for the partnership and dedication of the Greater Seattle Chamber, we are glad to put this year’s budget to bed, and look forward to putting on one heck of an Independence Day party for Seattle.”
Family 4th at Lake Union starts at noon at Gas Works Park (2101 N. Northlake Way) on Monday, July 4. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. See all our 2010 fireworks coverage here.
A fundraiser for “Family 4th at Lake Union,” Seattle’s only Independence Day fireworks celebration, will be held on Monday, April 25 at Jillian’s Billiards Club on Westlake from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“Over the Top” will be the final fundraising event by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organization One Reel to raise the remaining amount needed, as well as a community celebration in honor of the continuation of the fireworks show.
One Reel, who has sponsored “Family 4th at Lake Union” for more than two decades, has raised more than 80 percent of the $500,000 budget, and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce is calling on its members to raise the additional $90,000.
Last year the Family 4th at Lake Union was saved thanks to donations from Seattlites and local companies from the area. Over $500,000 was raised and the fireworks show that followed was considered one of the best ever by many.
The success of last year’s fund-raising doesn’t mean this year’s celebration is all set, however. Although 68 percent of the event budget has been secured, another $162,000 needs to be raised by March 1 in order for the 2011 show to go on.
If you’re interested in helping, there’s a couple ways to do it.
You can make a donation directly to Family 4th at http://family4th.org by March 1st (site may load slow due to increased traffic).
You can also show your support and encourage others to join the campaign by downloading one of the Family 4th widgets to your website or blog.
Have a favorite spot picked out on the east side of the hill to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Lake Union? Good news: You can go ahead and make your plans for Independence Day—One Reel announced today that its annual July 4th Fireworks show at Gas Works Park will go on.
One Reel, which organizes the Family 4th at Lake Union, announced Thursday that several key sponsors from last year, including Starbucks, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Charlie’s Produce, and Tom Douglas Restaurants, have committed to sponsoring this year’s fireworks show, KING 5 reported this morning. You can read the whole story here. Check out the full list of supporters here.
Because of the immense support the community has thrown behind the fireworks show, One Reel has given the Family 4th the slogan “by the people, for the people.” Over the next six weeks the group will be soliciting donations from the community to raise the additional $200,000 needed to fund the show. Those interested can make a donation here to help the Family at the 4th reach its funding goal by March 1.
If you missed the Space Needle fireworks show last night, we’ve captured it all on video courtesy of a rooftop vantage point on the south slope of Queen Anne.
Sorry for the shaky camera—one my of resolutions for 2011 is to remember to use a tripod.
If you’re planning to stick around Queen Anne to celebrate New Year’s this year, then there are plenty of places you can go for a prime view of the fireworks at the Space Needle at midnight.
Photo courtesy of the Seattle Center.
Here are just a few places you can ring in the New Year, for free, around the neighborhood.
Center House, Seattle Center—Ring in 2011 with the rocking sounds of The Machine, and witness the fireworks up close and personal.
For many years, The Machine has been playing around the Pacific Northwest, offering the best PARTY music in town. When you come and see The Machine, you will only hear DANCEABLE, FUN, PARTY rock and roll, AND you will have a great time.
Kerry Park—Climb up to Kerry Park, Seattle’s quintessential viewpoint (211 W Highland Dr.) to see the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and of course, the fireworks at the Needle. But remember, Kerry Park is a small space and likely to be packed, so get there early to scope out a prime viewing spot.
The South Slope—If you’re looking to have a more low key New Year’s, while still enjoying the festivities, you can have your own private viewing party from a number of sites along the south slope. Just drive around and pull over anywhere you have a clear view of the Needle. Advantages: these viewing spots are likely to be less crowded, and offer you a quick way home if you live nearby.
From the Water—If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, or know a friend who does and are comfortable battling the cold and wind, the view of the fireworks will be picturesque from Elliott Bay. Ahoy matey!
Wondering what’s in store for New Year’s at the Needle? Check out this footage of the 2010 New Year’s fireworks show, courtesy of PJtheFey.
While the weather today left the possibility of snow open, the forecast predicts mostly sunny skies on Friday, December 31, with a high of 40 degrees, a small chance of precipitation, and an overnight low of 28 degrees. So wherever you plan on watching the fireworks, the skies should be clear.
Have a favorite—and free—place to catch the fireworks? Comment below to add them to our list. Happy New Year!
Wow, what a show! First, the rain soaked thousands of people to the bone at Gas Works Park in Wallingford. Then just before 10 p.m., the rain stopped, the skies cleared, and the fireworks lit up the night. Photo from Joey Anchondo, Seattle Times. See more photos here.
“That was the best ever!” said KING 5 anchor Dennis Bounds, who has presided over many fireworks shows at Lake Union. Our sister blog in Wallingford has all the coverage, from the spectacular show to the scene in Wallingford.
Update: One Reel says the attendance was much lower than anticipated, thanks to the rain. Also, cleanup crews picked up a mountain of trash after the event.
Expectations for tonight’s Independence Day fireworks range from neutral to downright gloomy.
The National Weather Service is predicting fairly good weather north and south of Seattle, but a Puget Sound Convergence Zone may set up directly over Lake Union, with up to a 60 percent chance of showers.
Cliff Mass, University of Washington professor of atmospheric sciences, says on his blog that he’s taking an umbrella to watch the fireworks.
But, he reminds us that once July 4 is done and gone, “then the miracle occurs. Like a switch being flipped, our weather warms dramatically. The lawns turn brown and watering our vegetables and plants is mandatory. The best weather in the nation takes hold for roughly 2-3 months.”
In fact, beginning Monday afternoon the skies clear. Temperatures in the mid-80s are expected by late week.
If you’re planning to head over to Gas Works Park this Sunday to watch the fireworks show, then we recommend reading My Wallingford’s fireworks guide featuring the schedule, parking, road closures and other events in the area. My Wallingford will be covering the event through the weekend.
Meanwhile, Saturday is a big day in Fremont, where thousands (yes, thousands) of people will dress up as zombies and wander aimlessly through the neighborhood. It’s an effort to recapture the world’s record, which they set last year only to have England snatch it away.
The zombie walk runs 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a night of activities at Fremont Outdoor Movies. Fremont Universe has the details here, and it will post the necessary gruesome photos later this weekend.
The 4th of July weekend is a time for fun, family and of course, fireworks! However it also tends to be a few days where there’s heightened risk for accidents. In an effort to keep the community safe, the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department have released this public safety announcement:
The Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department would like to remind the public that there are no legal fireworks in the City of Seattle.
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. Each and every one of these incidents could have been prevented.
On the 4th of July, 911 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 911 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help.
Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.
The Seattle Police and Seattle Fire Department wish you a safe and enjoyable 4th of July celebration!
Happy 4th of July Queen Anne! Have a great weekend, and if you feel like sharing some of your favorite pictures of the fireworks, send them in to tips@queenanneview.com.
Donations from private citizens and corporations made this year’s July 4th fireworks show possible, but what about next year?
Our news partners The Seattle Times found out yesterday that event producer One Reel has begun soliciting donations again.
After this year’s ailing Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Gas Works Park was rescued by business leaders and individual donors, sponsors of the annual party have announced a new funding strategy for 2011.
More donations.
One Reel, which puts on the fireworks show, said in a news release Thursday: “While One Reel didn’t initially consider soliciting donations for the 2010 event, the overwhelming public response to saving this cherished Independence Day celebration caused the organization to rethink the sponsorship model that has been in place since the event was first created in 1988.”
Previous funding for the fireworks shows has come from corporate sponsors.
Instead, said One Reel, beginning this week donations and pledges for next year’s show can be placed at family4th.org.
It’s that time of year again: the list of events is out for this year’s Family 4th at Lake Union. The Independence Day celebration at Gas Works Park was almost scrapped this year due to lack of funding, but will go on thanks to nearly 300 businesses and individuals who banded together to save the fireworks show.
If you were like me last year,and missed the memo about the late Puget Sound fireworks (I know there were others because I was just one of a couple hundred disappointed folks who set up camp at Kerry Park only to hear the Lake Union show in the distance), then make sure you pick out a nice spot on the east side of the hill to enjoy the festivities!
If instead you’ll be heading down to Gas Works Park for the show, here are a few events that will be going on:
Field Games, Hosted by Starbucks: Starbucks is hosting activities and fun field games on the Playfield featuring coffee sack and three-legged races, coffee bean bag tosses, and more.
Acrobatics and Circus Arts: The School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts will provide a static aerial rig, tightwire, and juggling equipment to engage, entertain and delight kids in the exploration of acrobatics and circus performance.
Euro-Bungy and Climbing Walls: This all-ages activity center offers participants the choice of jumping mid-air, twirling, and spinning on a bungee trampoline platform or climbing the face of a 24’ ft. rock wall and overcoming the challenges on the way to the top.
Face Painting: Kids can let their faces be the canvas as talented face-painters use their artistry to airbrush colorful and creative designs to decorate smiling faces and celebrate the holiday.
Kite Making: Kids are invited to dive into a wide variety of art supplies and kite-making tools to create a kite that expresses their unique artistic vision.
Wacky World: A giant, inflatable play center for kids 3-12 is 120’ feet of slides, tunnels, obstacles and fun.
SPD is working on a similar traffic control plan as last year, which will allow residential access to the neighborhood only. A map is being worked on and will soon be posted at family4th.org. Both the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce websites will be posting a list of local businesses staying open late for anyone waiting for post-fireworks traffic to subside.
As the realization started sinking in that Seattle’s only 4th of July fireworks show has been canceled, some local celebrities and businesses are donating money to save the annual tradition. On the Dave Ross show this morning, restaurateur Tom Douglas started the campaign to save the fireworks show by announcing he will donate $5,000. Dave Ross followed suit by donating some of his own money. The list of donations keeps growing, with the ultimate goal of raising $500,000 by Monday, April 5th.
To make a pledge of a minimum of $1,000, corporate or individual, go to MyNorthwest.com/fireworks or e-mail savethe4th@mynorthwest.com. If the funds needed to save the 2010 fireworks show can be raised in the allotted time, then the pledges will be collected upon and sent to One Reel.
One Reel marketing and communications director Mikhael Williams talked with our sister site My Wallingford this morning about Ross’s plan. “We would be so excited and thrilled if we could pull this off this year, but has to happen very quickly,” Williams says, “From our perspective, the window was closed on a title sponsorship because of the traditional expectations and benefits that they receive. If there are people in the community who want to rally around the event, who don’t have the traditional expectations of sponsorship, we would happily put this on.”
(Full disclosure: Next Door Media, which powers QueenAnneView.com has donated to this fund.)
When I moved back to Seattle last year after a four-year stint in L.A., I was ecstatic to be moving to Queen Anne hill–near downtown, the waterfront, and Lake Union! A month after I moved in to my apartment and before I began my work at QueenAnneView, I climbed up to Kerry Park to watch for 4th of July fireworks show over Elliott Bay. I, and evidently some 200 other people, had not received the memo that the show had been canceled.
After waiting around for 30 minutes, I decided to do a little Googling on my phone. A few minutes later we heard a loud cracking noise coming from the north east. We turned and saw the very top of the fireworks show from Lake Union just peaking over the top of Queen Anne hill.
Up until this point we’ve been lucky in Seattle–having our choice of two gorgeous fireworks shows on Independence Day. When the Elliott Bay fireworks show folded last year, Seattleites piled into Gasworks Park, a prime spot to catch the Lake Union show. However yesterday, Wednesday, March 31, One Reel, the company that produces the event, announced that there would be no Family 4th at Lake Union this year, citing the lack of a corporate sponsor to fund the non-profit for the event. Tomoko Moriguchi Matsuno, president of the One Reel Board of Directors wrote this letter on ChaseFamily4th.org.
Dear Community,
Since 1988, One Reel, the Seattle not-for-profit arts organization of which I am Board President, has been proud to produce the cherished Independence Day celebration and fireworks show, the Family 4th at Lake Union. This day of free family entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display has been, for more than two decades, an important time for us to come together as a community and celebrate this great country.
As a non-profit organization, One Reel’s core mission is to produce arts and cultural events that engage and enrich our community, but we cannot do it alone. You may not realize this free civic celebration has been an annual gift to Seattle made possible only through the generosity of a corporate sponsor who underwrites the cost of the event. One Reel wishes to extend a very special thank you to the sponsors we’ve been fortunate to work with over the years, including Fratelli’s, Cellular One, AT&T, WaMu and Chase.
For the past 15 months, One Reel has worked tirelessly to secure a title sponsor for the 2010 Family 4th at Lake Union but, regrettably, we were not able to secure one in time to proceed with this year’s event. For that reason, it is with a heavy heart we announce there will be no fireworks or festivities at Gas Works Park this year.
We understand the disappointment you must feel; we feel it too. However, I can assure you that One Reel is already hard at work searching for a new title sponsor who shares our commitment to presenting this beloved community event in Seattle next year, and long into the future. As always, One Reel remains dedicated to providing you with premier events—from the Family 4th at Lake Union, to Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival, to Teatro ZinZanni—that showcase the talent, artistic diversity and integrity of our great city.
Thank you, Seattle, for your ongoing support. We’d like to thank everyone—from our generous past title sponsors, to the City of Seattle, to event suppliers and on-site vendors, to more than 5 million patriotic revelers over the last 20 years—all of whom have made this event such an iconic holiday tradition.
We look forward to seeing you next year at Gas Works Park for the Family 4th at Lake Union.
Sincerely,
Tomoko Moriguchi Matsuno
President and CEO Uwajimaya Inc.
President, One Reel Board of Directors
Us in Queen Anne have been able to see both firework shows from our high perch on the hill. But with the canceling of the Lake Union and Elliott Bay shows, this year will be the first time in 46 years that Seattle will not have a fireworks on the 4th. What do you think of a 4th without fireworks in Seattle? Do you think the lack of corporate shows will result in an increase in illegal fireworks?
From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. last night, Saturday, March 27, lights were doused all around the city for Earth Hour. Even the Seattle Center and Pacific Science Center arches turned off all non-essential lighting for the event.
Reader Dana sent in these photos, taken from Kerry Park on the south side of Queen Anne hill during Earth Hour.
She even caught a few pictures of the fireworks show over Elliott Bay, which were supposed to start at 7:30 p.m., but incidentally ended up coinciding with Earth Hour.
We saw the fireworks tonight at 8:30 pm from Kerry Park. Great view and the Space Needle and other downtown buildings went dark just before they started!!!
Apparently there were some pretty stunning fireworks over Elliott Bay at around 8 p.m. this evening. Reader Peggy Fitzgerald wrote,
Really nice fireworks show tonight over Elliott Bay! There’s some news on it from the West Seattle blog (since I had no idea why there was an amazing show tonight – they were really excellent)
According to the West Seattle Blog, Farmers Insurance celebrated its 100th anniversary with a party at the Space Needle and fireworks show off the waterfront tonight. Details here.
I missed the show myself. Did anyone else see it, or happen to catch a picture?
See ratings and reviews of
With warm weather in the forecast, it looks like it’s going to be a nice day. Combine that with 
