by Kimberly Jacobson
Oregon-based Western Display Fireworks will provide the city’s annual display this year after John Curtis and his crew ended their 15-year run of orchestrating the pyrotechnical display last year.
The company has been providing fireworks displays in the Northwest for more than 59 years.
“They do a number of significant displays,” said Gary Robinson, Parks and Recreation Department director.
The fireworks display is the culmination of a day of activities celebrating the birth of the nation. Resident can join in the annual town photo, watch the festive parade, enjoy food and games for the kids at the picnic and get inspired by the patriotic program at this year’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Curtis, a licensed member of the Pyrotechnicians Guild International, cited a number of reasons for stepping out of the fireworks show, including difficulty obtaining the large 12-inch shells.
“There are some limitations. It’s getting harder and harder to do shows with Homeland Security issues,” Robinson said.
Western Display will light off fireworks electronically, making the shells explode closer together. He said they will still get good height but may not be as high as years past.
“It may be worth people’s time to get closer to it,” Robinson said.
Parking will not be allowed at the Cap Sante viewpoint for safety reasons but residents who want to watch from there can still walk up.
“It’ll be a great place to watch them,” he said. “We’re hoping for another good show.”
Fourth of July activities include:
• A town photo will be taken at 10 a.m. at Fifth Street and Commercial Avenue.
• Anacortes Women of Today invite you to participate in the Fourth of July parade. Parade participants should report to Second Street and Commercial Avenue between 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for directions. Participants must be in line by 10:45 a.m.
Whether you own a business, have a great bunch of neighbors, or are a member of a club or organization, you can create a float or a drill team, carry a banner, ride decorated bicycles, play an instrument or just walk and pass out candy.
The children’s parade will begin at 11 a.m. and the rest of the parade will follow. Participants are asked to clean up after animals and hand out, not throw, candy or Frisbees.
• The patriotic program follows at 12:30 p.m. at Causland Memorial Park. Come for speeches, followed by children’s games, town criers, music and food booths. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy with family and friends.
• Western Display Fireworks will coordinate fireworks at around 10:30 p.m. over Fidalgo Bay.
The display will be set off near T Avenue and 30th Street on DNR land. Parking will not be allowed in the area for safety reasons.
Robinson said the city will pay about $5,000 for the display and the Parks Foundation, which collects donations, is nearing the $15,000 mark.
“We really, really greatly appreciate the community support for this,” he said.
The organization is still accepting donations. Send checks to the Anacortes Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 410, Anacortes, WA 98221. All donors will be recognized with a letter from the foundation and through a listing of donors in the Parks Department fall menu.
For more information, call 293-1918.
The Anacortes Police Department reminds city residents that personal possession and discharge of fireworks are illegal in the city limits.
Parking will be a little different this year due to the port’s environmental cleanup project at Seaferers’ Memorial Park.
Harbormaster Dale Fowler said the Seafarers’ parking area will be closed and the Parcel 1 area will be fenced off. General parking will be available around the marina and he encouraged people to use street parking.
“There are lots of places in town where people can get a super view of the fireworks,” he said.
Thrive Community Fitness will coordinate paid parking in its parking lot, the Northwest Educational Service District 189 parking lot and the Strandberg building parking lot. Follow detour signs to the fitness center and the parking lots.
The $5 parking fee will go to the Parks Foundation to help pay for the fireworks show. Event seating areas near Thrive cost $10 for half a parking space. Spaces are pre-sold at the fitness center.
