Seattle’s Lake Union to light up with big July 4 fireworks show for America’s 250th

SEATTLE — Fireworks are set to light up the sky above Lake Union on Saturday night as Seattle marks America’s 250th birthday on the Fourth of July.

Crews are preparing more than 7,000 pounds of fireworks for the Seafair show over the water, with hundreds of thousands of spectators expected at Gas Works and Lake Union parks.

This year’s festivities come as visitors from around the globe are in Seattle ahead of another World Cup match featuring Team USA on Monday.

One major change for this year’s celebration is that Gas Works Park will be gated off and will require tickets for entry. Seafair organizers say the new system is intended to help manage the expected increased capacity and keep spectators safe.

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Planned activities during the day on Saturday include an interactive Seafair coloring wall and all-American games, where people can compete in a pie-eating contest, sack races, and a water balloon toss. Musical performances are scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

Free parking is available in the surrounding Gas Works Park neighborhood, but finding a spot is expected to be difficult. Organizers are urging people to give themselves extra time and consider rideshare, carpooling, or public transportation.

Fireworks sales and setting off fireworks are illegal in many areas of western Washington, making large public shows a safer option for many people.

Spectators at Gas Works Park will notice some changes this year. The city recently removed ladders, catwalks, and platforms from the structures there after the death of a 14-year-old last summer.

The teen’s family said the city failed to address dangerous conditions around the park’s towers despite years of warnings and several injuries.

The Lake Union fireworks are expected to start at roughly 10:15 p.m. Saturday.