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 Linda Thomas
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Gasworks_seattle_fireworks_2.jpg
Organizers of the Family Fourth celebration at Lake Union are asking for a half million dollars again in order to keep the bombs bursting in air. (MyNorthwest file photo)

Does Seattle still want a Lake Union fireworks show?

March 5, 2013 @ 9:08 am (Updated: 9:46 am - 3/5/13 )

It's become as annual as the Fourth of July - the traditional fundraising effort to keep the show going over Lake Union has begun.

One Reel has produced the Family Fourth celebration in Seattle since 1988. Several years ago KIRO Radio's Dave Ross kicked off a fundraiser to "rescue" the annual celebration when it looked like the show wouldn't go on.

The community responded then, and the producer has passed the hat ever since.

Organizers now say they need $500,000 by March 31st.

"Does Seattle still want fireworks?" One Reel asks in an email announcing the 2013 fundraiser.

They say, "individuals and businesses have an opportunity to raise the necessary funds to make sure that this Seattle mainstay is a success."

Already signed on to show their financial support this year are Starbucks, Talking Rain, and Tom Douglas. They're providing a "starting foundation" towards the goal of $500,000.

Talks with other local companies are in progress.

To cheer us on, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) states, "Lake Union has historically always done what its name says—it unites us...As newcomers to the South Lake Union neighborhood, we at MOHAI are dedicated to supporting the community's efforts to preserve this celebration."

Are you in? How much would you donate for the "opportunity" to see the ooooohs and aaaaaahs continue over Lake Union on the 4th of July?

By LINDA THOMAS

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Comments (6)


  • Add A Comment

  • Stevebo wrote...
    I suppose if we truly believe in a free-market economy... then if there's a demand, we'll find a way...
    March 5, 2013 10:18 am
    I never go to the show in Seattle myself. About every other year we go to Ocean Shores to light off our own fireworks and to enjoy the spectacle that is thousands of others doing the same thing. The show lasts for 2 hours solid and is quite an amazing sight. If you want to be in the "thick" of it on the beach it's a little like the wild west... or you can more safely watch the spectacle from town if you want to keep a safer distance.

    For me, I just wouldn't enjoy trying to fight traffic + crowds (plus having to pay for parking) to watch fireworks in Seattle.

    I'm sure many others feel differently than me.

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  • jpetro wrote...
    No Thanks
    March 5, 2013 10:54 am
    for me...but to each their own
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    Why not a parade, instead?
    March 5, 2013 10:59 am
    Fireworks are fine. But who doesn't cringe at the thought of half a million dollars going up quite literally in smoke, plus who knows how many hundreds of thousands of public dollars in additional police "double time for holiday" pay, clean up crews, and on, and on, and on?

    I'd rather see a parade. Most of the businesses downtown are closed on July 4th, anyway, so there is very little traffic disruption. (Plus, there is more than sufficient parking for spectators in a variety of garages. Downtown is part of nearly every bus route in Seattle).

    Advantages to a parade:

    1. Flags. Lots and lots and lots of flags. The 4th of July ought to be about celebrating the freedoms represented by our flag at least as much as it is about moaning "oooh" and "aaah" in unison every time some Chinese bomb goes off over Lake Union. If the crowd along the sidewalk has to stand for most of the parade, hat in hand, because there's a non-stop stream of flags going by, fantastic!

    2. Community participation. With a parade, all the scout troops, drill teams, equestrians, and marching bands can come out and participate in the event. More people can *actively* celebrate with a parade, rather than merely spectate while somebody fires mortars from a barge.

    3. Better civic lesson for the kids. There's no direct correlation between a spectacular display of pyrotechnics over Lake Union and the Declaration of Independence. Those courageous rebels, willing to be branded "outlaws and traitors" in order to pursue liberty and freedom didn't risk their lives and fortunes to stuff could go "bang" overhead- but they would be pleased to see their countrymen still allowed to march in the streets.

    Fireworks have become a tradition associated with Independence Day, but parades have long been associated with the day as well. In my opinion, if we were going to have a first class fireworks show *or* a first class parade, I would rather see a parade.

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  • ron prevost wrote...
    Why not a parade instead ?
    March 5, 2013 1:31 pm
    Chuck - parades don't go "BOOM".

    Fireworks are as American as the Forth of July and have always drawn a far bigger crowd that a parade. ..... Besides, unless you watch in TV, you've got to be on the 5 to 15 block parade route to even SEE a parade.

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  • Flanders Houligan wrote...
    Meh...
    March 5, 2013 11:30 am
    Firework shows are tired and worn out. The traffic is awful, it starts so late in the evening that kids can't stay awake, and Queen Anne through Wallingford up to Capital Hill is gridlocked for 2 afters after the last sparkle has gone out. The trash, however, remains behind. However, I'm sure that "City Leaders" insist that a 4th of July show is required to become/maintain our status as a "world class city". This resident, however, won't be missing a thing.
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  • Daddy Dennis wrote...
    Concert
    March 5, 2013 11:55 am
    Bring in a couple bands and let the proceeds go to the fireworks. Fireworks, crowds, warm summer nights... Music.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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