Red, White, and BOOM!
There are generally two ways Spokanites celebrate the Fourth of July. One is to go to “the lake” – it doesn’t matter which lake it is, we all know that every lake is “the” lake – and drunkenly risk life and limb attempting a DIY fireworks display. This is otherwise known as “blowing stuff up.” The other, more safe, sane and undoubtedly cheaper way is to take a seat next to a major body of water and check out one of the pro jobs in the area. And that’s where we come in. Just in case you’re new to the area – or you’ve been living under a rock – here’s a list of happenin’ spots to catch the downtown Spokane, Coeur d’Alene or Liberty Lake shows. Of course, these aren’t listed in any particular order, and there are plenty of other places to see these or other fireworks displays. We just thought it’d be nice to make some suggestions. Anyway, on with the show:
1. Cliff Drive
There was a time when Cliff Drive was to gasoline exhaust what River Park Square is to controversy. So many cars would pack onto that slim strip of asphalt overlooking downtown Spokane that you could find yourself stranded for an hour or three.
These days that segment of Cliff Drive is more, uh, civilized. Complaints from the neighborhood prompted police to place rock barricades in what used to be a favorite parking area, leaving the cleaned-up lover’s lane now marked by a sign that says Pioneer Park.
But that hasn’t changed the spot’s quality as a place from which to watch Riverfront Park’s July Fourth fireworks show. You can find ample parking on any of the side streets.
Make sure to bring a flashlight, though, because it’s dark and even in that exclusive neighborhood, the streets are uneven.
Trees block the view along most of the bluff, making the area immediately around the Pioneer Park sign the best spot. So along with a flashlight, bring a blanket. Because if you get there early enough, you can find a rock or patch of dirt that will serve as a perfect chair from which to watch the rockets’ red glare.
2. Gonzaga Lawn
Blankets and tipsy twentysomethings litter the grassy knoll just above Lake Arthur on the Gonzaga University campus every Fourth. But that doesn’t mean that people of all ages aren’t invited to the party.
The view here next to the tennis courts isn’t as great as the one you’d get from Cliff Drive, but the atmosphere has no equal. The grassy slope is the perfect place to lay back and wait for the annual war simulation to begin, and the reflections off the river and the man-made lake make it seem like there are three shows going on instead of one.
And after the show’s over, gazers can stumble across campus to a few of the best college watering holes around. Hey, who says the Fourth of July can’t just blend right into the fifth?
3. Ninth Avenue and Altamont Boulevard
OK, this one’s a bit obscure. As you head east on Ninth Avenue from Perry Street, the street forks into North Altamont and Altamont boulevards. Veering left (south) onto North Altamont will bring you to three left turns – Ninth Avenue, Hilda Court and Jacques Street. Those three are where you want to be, only don’t turn down them. Rather, find somewhere to park nearby and hoof it.
On this ridge-side continuation of Ninth Avenue, the view is spectacular. Downtown, the North Side, Spokane Valley, you name it, you can see it.
Just off the north face of the sidewalk, there are grassy patches just begging for blankets and derrieres. Watch that balance, though. It’s a long way down.
4. Rimrock Drive
To the west of Spokane, the bluffs that run north and south along the horizon offer, here and there, a great view of downtown. And none is better than along Rimrock Drive.
Getting there seems complicated, but it’s not really. Drive west on Sunset Highway toward Airway Heights, turn right on Basalt Road, follow it to Greenwood and turn right. If you turn right again almost immediately, you’re at the intersection of Greenwood and Rimrock Drive. Which means you’ve arrived.
You can park along the road, sit in your car or get out and stand in the cool night air (which, unfortunately, now is often filled with mosquitoes).
The fireworks aren’t as close as they are in other locations, and you might even consider bringing binoculars. But the July Fourth sparklers do brighten up the sky.
And besides, the darkness gives you plenty of opportunity to say hi to your date, if you catch my drift.
5. Glass Avenue
Let’s not leave out the North Side, especially just north of downtown where Post Street rises toward the Garland District. At the top of the hill, Glass Avenue extends along the bluff to the west and east.
It’s to the east of Post, though, that you’ll discover one of the best views of downtown Spokane. For two long blocks, from Howard to Calispell streets, the south side of Glass is one long sidewalk set up against a chain-link fence. And unlike most other stretches of the northern bluff, the view along that couple of hundred yards is virtually unobstructed.
There are even a few green metal benches on which to sit, though you’d probably be a lot more comfortable in your own folding chair.
One, naturally, with cup holders.
6. Tubbs Hill
What about North Idaho? Well, there is a little-known – OK, very well-known – park just to the southeast of the Coeur d’Alene Resort Hotel called Tubbs Hill Park.
During the day, you’ll likely find hikers pounding away on the trails and thrill-seekers of all ages risking their necks diving into the lake from Tubbs’ shoreline cliffs.
But as soon as the sun goes down, these big boulders have the potential to be some of the best seats in the house – er, on the lake – to watch the fireworks. Just bring some blankets and whatever other (ahem) supplies you need for the evening. Then crack open an ice-cold pop, dangle your legs over the water and enjoy the show.
7. Liberty Lake
With a lot less money to spend than either Spokane or Coeur d’Alene, the community of Liberty Lake does what it can with donations to finance its annual Fourth of July fireworks show.
But other than the threat of being hit up for a spare buck or so (or maybe more), Denise Coyle – chairperson of the Liberty Lake Fireworks Committee – says that watching the show from Pavillion Park offers more than just sparkle and flash.
Before the 20-minute fireworks display begins at 10:05 p.m., three bands will perform a free concert as part of what’s being called an “Americana Celebration.”
Because the fireworks are set off from the middle of the lake, they can be seen from just about anywhere. But as most of the lake’s property is privately owned, Pavillion Park – on Molter Street, southwest of Liberty Lake Elementary School – offers as good a view as you’re likely to get.
Unless, of course, you own a boat.