City of Edmonds planning July 4th fireworks, parade

The city of Edmonds is preparing for what could be its biggest Fourth of July celebration ever. Cities are taking up the slack since Seattle canceled much of its holiday fare for a second pandemic year in a row.

The holiday crowds that usually descend on Seattle are likely to disperse across the region this Fourth of July.

That is the way it is looking for the city of Edmonds nearly 20 miles to the north.

No fireworks for the Fourth in Seattle? No problem! Edmonds has you covered.

“We’ve been putting on the 4th of July in Edmonds since 1907,” said Greg Urban, CEO and President, Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. “There’s only been twice it’s been canceled, World War II and 2020.”

Urban is chief architect of the Edmonds Fourth of July parade and fireworks show 2021, an extravaganza that came together in four short weeks.

“The Governor has opened us up,” said Urban. “That was the biggest factor in the parade and the seating here for the fireworks was the Governor sticking to the June 30th (reopening date).”

It comes as parched communities across the Puget Sound want to persuade residents to ditch their own fireworks and come to a show put on by the experts.

In Edmonds, that job is falling to Russell Armstrong, a licensed pyrotechnician with nearly three decades in the fire service, too. He says the fireworks will shoot out from the Civic Field Playfield, with spectators kept back behind fencing.

“Even though this field itself looks old and dry,” said Armstrong. It’s cut so short that even if an ember started a little bit of this grass on fire, it’s not going anywhere.”

The city’s big plans for the Fourth, perhaps a way to show off, too.

“I mean with ‘Walkable Main Street’ being a thing and the streets are closed down,” said Liz Morgan, owner of Field by Morgan & Moss. “And so, we can have more people. I think it’s great.”

Indeed, some are lamenting the holiday traditions still falling victim to COVID-19.

“You know we’re all coming out of COVID,” said Greg Ervig, Everett, “we want something to do. We’re all yearning to get out, wet our feet and someone closes the beach. It’s very unfortunate.”

Seattle’s loss then could be Edmonds gain.

“Our quaint little town is going to be exploding,” exclaimed Donna Yamamoto, laughing. “Not only here but up in the air.”

So, the festivities start with a 5K run at 8:30 Sunday morning. Registration for that is closed.

The parade steps off at noon.

And the fireworks show begins at 10 o’clock Sunday night.

Several streets will be closed around Edmonds. So, if you do come, come prepared to walk or wheel around.

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