• SeattlePI has a whole bunch of photos from the festivities.

• The Lake Union fireworks made the Washington Post’s collection of fireworks displays from around the country.

• MyWallingford has a great photo from the evening.

• One Queen Anne teen lost a finger in a fireworks accident.

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.

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.

“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 4^th 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.

One Reel announced in January that the July 4 fireworks show would indeed take place, which would not be possible if it weren’t for donations from Seattle’s business community and public.

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.

Last year, you’ll recall, One Reel initially canceled the fireworks show. But unable to picture a 4th of July in the city without fireworks, local businesses and fireworks lovers banded together to donate the $500,000 necessary to light up the sky (including large pledges from Microsoft and Starbucks). Read more about last year’s show here and 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.

Sorry for the shaky camera—one my of resolutions for 2011 is to remember to use a tripod.

Happy new year Queen Anne!

Music in video: Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.”

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!

“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.