Editor’s Note: You have reached the 2016 4th of July article. The 2017 version will be available shortly.
Summer is officially here, and just like every year, the season will start with a dazzling display of entertainment, food and fireworks as people gather to celebrate our country’s independence.
From the splendor of fireworks bursting overhead to day-long festivals of music, food, drinks and more, there are a variety of ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Whatcom County.
Whether you want to ring in Independence Day with a literal bang or prefer to gather in the daylight hours over good food with your friends and neighbors, there’s a 4th of July activity with your name on it. And remember — the 4th of July falls on a Monday this year, so plan your partying accordingly.
Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration
Every year, families from across Bellingham and Whatcom County flock to Zuanich Point Park to celebrate America’s independence day. Now in its nearly 20th years, the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration is a Bellingham tradition.
In addition to playing host to Whatcom County’s biggest 4th of July fireworks display, the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration also offers a variety of daytime activities. The fun starts at 11:00 a.m. with the annual Hoop It Up Basketball Tournament, craft and food vendors, and a variety of Olde Time Games.
Once the afternoon rolls around, the 21+ crowd can quench their thirst at the Squalicum Boathouse Beer Garden. Thirsty patrons can sip suds from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon — and well into the evening — attendees can also enjoy live entertainment (2:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.) from the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, the Chris Eger Band, and the SpaceBand. The music only stops once the anticipated fireworks show starts at 10:30 p.m.
Parking for this family-friendly event is available, but limited. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or hop aboard one of the free passenger shuttles that will be running from 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Shuttle pick-up will be at Bellingham Technical College with drop off at the TD Curran parking lot inside Squalicum Harbor.
For more information about this show stopping event, visit Haggen’s website.
Blaine Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Like the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration, Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th has been delighting visitors for more than a decade. Organized by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, this annual tradition kicks off bright and early with an 8:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at the Blaine Community Center and the Show-N-Shine Car Show in downtown.
From 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., families can enjoy perusing the many arts and craft booths situated at Peace Portal Drive and H Street. At noon, however, event-goers will want to divert their attention from handcrafted wares to the big 4th of July parade as it makes its way down Peace Portal Drive.
Later in the afternoon, after a day enjoying live music, arts and crafts, and even catching a ride on the historic Plover Ferry (ride available from noon – 8:00 p.m.), event-goers can fill up on tasty fare at Semiahmoo Resort’s Backyard Barbecue (4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m).
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get distracted. Just make sure you’re planted firmly in a grass seat or lawn chair at Blaine Marine Park by 10:15 p.m. for the big fireworks finale.
Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration is an event not to be missed. For more information, including a full schedule of events and entertainers, visit the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information’s website here.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
If you want to watch the fireworks but don’t feel like cozying up with a crowd, you’re in luck. San Juan Cruises is offering an intimate way to watch the sparks fly this year.
For $89 per person, cruise-goers can snag a front row seat for this year’s fireworks show over Squalicum Harbor. Tickets include a crab dinner and pre-fireworks cruise around Bellingham and Chuckanut Bays.
The deluxe 100′ tour vessel offers guests everything they need to enjoy the 4th of July on the water, including indoor and outdoor seating on two levels, an on-board snack bar, and a full beverage bar stocked with a variety of Northwest beers, wines and cocktails.
This cruise is perfect for a romantic date night or quiet family outing away from the crowds.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit San Juan Cruises’ website or call 360-738-8099.
