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That’s because it’s the day the center holds its Independence Day celebration, highlighted by a fireworks show that organizers say is watched by as many as 15,000 people.
He was waiting for family members and friends to join him after arriving at 8:30 a.m. to stake out a spot for the 45th annual event.
Work on the 1,000-mortar-shell fireworks display started before 7 a.m. when Gary Schuette, display operator for Entertainment Fireworks, arrived with the pyrotechnics. His crew arrived a few hours later and spent most of the day filling boxes with sand before they lined up the shells with corresponding tubes.
Schuette said his company has been involved with the show for about 20 years and that this year’s display – which includes a 200-shell barrage for the finale – is one of the area’s biggest.
As fireworks crews worked, people from throughout the region filled the center’s parking lot for an afternoon of food, drink and fun.
Calder Russell and Kyle Iverson arrived early to grill burgers, chicken wings and corn on the cob.
“I don’t even do it for the fireworks,” said Russell, who has come for the past five years. He said the day is more about spending time with friends.
Across the parking lot, his younger brother Logan played foosball with friend A.J. Byrnes.
“It’s an excuse to have a party in a parking lot,” Logan Russell said of the celebration.
Heather and Craig Groves of Lacey say they’ve been coming to the show for 10 years, and Heather recently invited a co-worker and her family. They expected about 25 people to show up and planned to grill, play games and catch up.
“We all live busy lives,” Heather Groves said. “This is the best time for us to get together.”
For many, Sunday’s event was part of a tradition. For others, such as Lacey resident Dennis Mydlar, the party in the parking lot came more on a whim.
Lounging in front of his mother-in-law’s RV and smoking a cigar, Mydlar said the family decided to come after a chat about the show the night before.
“We kind of planned this at the last minute as something spontaneous and fun,” he said.
And with kebabs planned for the grill and the sun in his face, Mydlar only kept his review of the day short.
“This is nice,” he said.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476
nhulings@theolympian.com
www.theolympian.com/outsideoly
