Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater ban fireworks. Here’s how you can celebrate July 4
While residents are banned from selling or discharging fireworks in Thurston County’s three largest cities, residents can still celebrate the Fourth of July at sanctioned community events this weekend.
The cities of Lacey, Tumwater and Olympia all prohibit the sale and discharge of fireworks. This regulation applies to sparklers and all other kinds of “safe and sane” fireworks, which do not explode or travel through the air.
Thurston County will not ban the use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas this year, as officials have in past years when conditions present a high fire danger.
“The county’s decision is in alignment with recommendations from the Director of Emergency Services, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development, the Fire Marshal, and was made in consultation with local fire chiefs serving primarily unincorporated Thurston County,” Thurston County spokesperson Susan Melnyk wrote.
For those remaining inside city limits this weekend, here’s where to celebrate the Fourth of July:
Lacey
The city of Lacey will host its 60th annual Fireworks Spectacular from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 at Rainier Vista Community Park. Thousands are expected to attend.
The Rainier Vista parking lot will be closed to the public for the event. Accessible parking will be available on a limited basis and with a valid permit. Accessible parking guests can only enter from 45th Avenue Southeast.
A free shuttle service will run every 15 minutes from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. transporting guests to the festival from the following free parking locations:
- Timberline High School at 6120 Mullen St. SE
- Komachin Middle School at 3650 College St. SE
- Lakes Elementary at 6211 Mullen Rd. SE
- Peak Credit Union Administration at 4501 Intelco Loop SE
Shuttles will drop off and pick up guests at the park entrance on 45th Avenue Southeast.
Free parking will also be available at the Aspire Performing Arts Academy, located at 5900 54th Ave. SE, but the shuttle will not go to this location. The academy is around a half-mile from the park.
Food vendors and the free Kid Zone will open at 4 p.m. The number of food vendors is double from last year, according to Lacey’s recreation coordinator Erika Scott-Small. Outside food and beverage is permitted, although alcohol and barbecues are not allowed at the park. Scott-Small encouraged guests to use the vendors, rather than bring their own food.
Pacific Northwest based band Golden Hour will take the main stage at 5 p.m. Exotic animal show Reptile Isle will offer educational demos at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., before Golden Hour returns to the stage at 8 p.m.
The Kid Zone will close at 9:15 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m. and lasting an estimated 20 minutes.
Those who used the shuttle should return to the park entrance on 45th Avenue Southeast. Scott-Small said organizers estimate it will take a half-hour for all guests to board the shuttles. Each shuttle will stop at the four free parking locations, so guests should board the first-available bus.
Tumwater
The city of Tumwater will host its annual parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 4, followed by a 6 p.m. festival and fireworks show at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course.
The parade will start at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street, move south on Capitol Boulevard and turn west on Israel Road. The parade will move past Tumwater City Hall and conclude at the intersection of Linderson Way and Israel Road. A full map of the parade route is available here.
From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 4, vehicle access to property along the parade route will be restricted.
Linderson Way and West Lee Street will also be restricted from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for emergency vehicles. The city of Tumwater asks those needing access to the two streets during that window to make advance arrangements and suggests residents park their vehicle at an alternate location.
The city of Tumwater will offer its own festival July 4 at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Event gates will open at 6 p.m. and are free to enter. Event parking is priced at $10 per vehicle, cash only.
Located adjacent to the course’s driving range, event parking will be accessible through East E Street off Capitol Boulevard. Tumwater Valley Drive will be limited from 4 p.m. to midnight to authorized personnel only.
The festival will feature Olympia-based group The Olson Bros Band, along with food vendors and games. Alcohol, pets and barbecues are prohibited. The Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show will begin at 10:15 p.m.
Olympia
While the city of Olympia does not host its own Fourth of July celebrations, city officials encourage residents to engage with Lacey and Tumwater celebrations over the weekend.
Olympia’s summer festival, Capital Lakefair, will take place from July 15 to July 19 with fireworks displayed on the final night.