It's high time - sky high - for the 41st annual Fourth of Jul-Ivar's Independence Day Celebration at Myrtle Edwards Park on, yes, July 4.
The noon-into-late-evening event features a wide variety of live music; food booths; Ivar's clam-eating, chowder-slurping and other contests; a special kids zone with a new lapslide, inflatables to jump on, a train to ride around the park, clowns, magicians, spin art, face painting, and more; and, in general, family entertainment designed for all ages.
The live music on three stages will include nationally recognized acts as well as local ones, purveying jazz, oldies, patriotic, hillbilly, blues, soul, ballads, swing, Latin, funk, lounge and whaddaya got.
The whole shebang culminates in a fireworks extravaganza that is not only Seattle's longest-running example of the genre but also the largest privately sponsored fireworks blowout on the West Coast. A new 25-minute fireworks display entails more than 5,500 shells ranging in size from 3 to 12 inches fired up to 1,500 feet above Puget Sound - all simulcast to music.
Since the Fourth of Jul-Ivar's celebration draws crowds from all over Western Washington, and even from other states, it is highly recommended that you take public transportation. However, internal combustion types enjoy knowing that all parking meters are free on the holiday.
Metro has a special July 4 deal for up to four children age 17 riding free with a fare-paying adult; there are also special ridesharing options for the event. Information is at www.transit. metrokc.gov or at 553-3000 or 1-800-542-7876. For waterfront parking, the George Benson Waterfront Streetcar runs free from 10:42 a.m. and operates until after midnight from Pier 70 to the International District. The Eilliott Bay Water Taxi will operate its Saturday schedule that day with all rides free after the fireworks and all day on the West Seattle shuttle van (Route 773).
Meanwhile, don't even think about bringing pets, fireworks, firearms, tents, canopies, animals, alcoholic beverages, barbecues or devices for cooking. Food for personal consumption that does not require cooking is allowed, and there will be on-site food booths (not free) throughout the park.
Access is limited to only the north and south entrances to the park.
Pets and stay-at-homes can watch the fireworks show on KOMO TV-4 at approximately 10 p.m.
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