We drove by the entrance to Gas Works Park a little after 10 this morning.
Lines were already forming at the entrances in preparation for tonight’s Chase Family Fourth fireworks show. Organizers are expecting as many as 50,000 people — 15,000 more over previous years due to the cancelation of the Elliott Bay fireworks show. Traffic jams in the area are expected from the afternoon hours all the way until 1:30 in the morning.
Boat traffic is expected to increase at least 30 percent on the Lake Union for the event, but the Ballard Bridge will not open for boaters from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
If you shoot some fireworks photos tonight, send a few our way. And have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
Bonus!! Public Service Advisory – Access is being severely limited this year!
If you plan to go anywhere near Gasworks Park today or tonight, either by car, bike, moped, skateboard on foot or by boat, read this article for access times, street closures and traffic limitations:
http://www.mynorthwest.com/?sid=184568&nid=11
From the article, “…Beginning at noon on July 4th, access to the area north of Gas Works Park will be restricted to residents and and their guests for the Family Fourth at Lake Union fireworks show. The area will not be open to people seeking parking for the fireworks display.
Between noon and 6:00pm home and business owners will be able to enter and leave the area through designated access points…”
The page linked above also has a map showing the restricted areas.
Take lots of fluids and an extra supply of patience with you, and pee before you leave the house. ;-)
Have a great evening!!
while the fireworks would be fun, everything else associated with it is my version of hell.
My sentiments exactly! I absolutely love fireworks. I've told my daughters that when I'm old and feeble, confined to a wheelchair, they must promise that they'll take me to the fireworks on the 4th of July, and make sure I have a Slurpee every now and then. But, personally, I won't be able to blame them if they don't fulfill my wish. The crowds, the heat, the jostling for position on your tiny patch of grass you've reserved since early in the morning, is all too much. I guess part of the blame is the fact that Seattle, being a city built on hills, surrounded by water, makes it hard to find a large enough area to safely accommodate everyone. So, first come, first served, survival of the fittest and most tolerating, is the only rule.
Even though our old dog is terrified of the noise, and every year we think she'll die from the stress of running around the house, hiding in closets, shrinking under coffee tables, and moaning hysterically, I must say I'm glad that some of our neighbors go to the effort of buying fireworks and setting them off in their yards, as at least I get to see some fireworks every year, without needing to go anywhere full of crowds. Worse this year than any other year as there's only the one venue.
Ack! Looks like a good year to watch it on the telly.
And I'm actually hoping the neighbors tone down the personal shows this year. Leaving town on the 5th is going to be stressful enough without having to lure the cat out from under the couch first.
If only television could transport the smell… there's really nothing like the smell of fireworks.
When I was a kid, my dad (an engineer) was enthralled with fireworks. He'd carefully, analytically, prepare a wooden ramp with just the right degree of precise angle, and then light the rockets at the bottom of the ramp. We'd all ooh! and ah! as the rockets shot up the ramp to explode gloriously, wonderously, mysteriously, in the night sky. The black snakes, the sparklers, the campfire with marshmallows and the promise of embers glowing in the morning that you could stick little pieces of grass into and blow on them, shivering with delight at the awesome power of fire, that you normally wouldn't be allowed to touch.
I guess the 4th of July brings back all those tantalizing memories, and keeps me attuned to the delight that tonight's children must be anticipating. I've always felt that when you forget the joys of your own childhood, it's time to go, as children are the truest expression of humanity.
I agree with you, Fauxnothing. I'm not so sure my cat does.
Have fun, stay safe, and happy Independence Day!
And, I'm absolutely certain that my big dog doesn't agree with me either! My cat hides under the bed and stays there until morning, so not too sure how he feels once he's under there. The little dog is gloriously unconcerned, although curious why the big dog is acting so uncharacteristically afraid. We've tried sedatives, we've tried earplugs, but nothing helps. Today, she's hiding under the coffee table since breakfast, scared from last night and anticipating tonight's chaos. I truly feel sorry for her.
Doesn't anyone in Ballard put out an AMerican flag, even on July 4th?
Yes, mine is out, although I daresay it's the only one on my street. Maybe I should go out and take a closer look, though.
there are loads out…. and if you don't have enough, go check out the guy on 32nd and 58th. that will satisfy your need.
he must have 300 of them