Plan your Fourth of July
Consider safety, schedules as you plan your festivities
Wondering where to see some fireworks today? Want to know whether it’s legal for you to set off your own fireworks? Should the parking meter be plugged? Here’s your guide to the Independence Day holiday:
Where to go for the big show
• Spokane – The Independence Day Festival at Riverfront Park downtown begins with music and activities at 11 a.m. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. Admission and viewing is free. Reserved seating for the fireworks display is $8 by calling (509) 625-6602.
• Coeur d’Alene – Festivities kick off with a parade starting at 15th and Sherman Avenue at 11 a.m., culminating with a daylong festival in City Park, including live music and food. Fireworks over the lake begin at dusk. (208) 292-1635.
For more events around the area, visit the Spokane 7 Calendar here.
To light or not to light
Unless otherwise posted, fireworks of any kind are illegal in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney and Millwood. Bottle rockets, firecrackers and missile-type fireworks are illegal anywhere in Washington state, except on tribal lands. Fireworks can only be ignited between 9 a.m. and midnight today and Thursday, according to the state fire marshal. “Safe and sane” fireworks are legal in Kootenai County, with the exception of the city of Coeur d’Alene, according to city and fire officials. No fireworks are allowed on state and national forest lands.
Leave pets at home
In Spokane, no pets are allowed in Riverfront Park during major events, including for Fourth of July festivities. Officials with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services suggest pet owners provide quiet and secure indoor locations for the safety of animals during noisy celebrations. Make sure pets are licensed or wearing tags in case they escape.
Boaters, know the law
This year, Washington law requires anyone 40 years and under to carry a Boater Education Card when operating a boat with a motor of 15 horsepower or greater, which includes all personal watercraft. By 2014, all boat operators on Washington waterways will be required to carry the card, obtained by taking an approved boater education course. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt.
Closures
The following offices and services will be affected by the Independence Day holiday:
• City, county, state and federal offices will be closed.
• Post offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery.
• Garbage service will be one day late. All transfer stations are closed.
• Most banks will be closed. Check with individual branches.
• All public library branches will be closed.
• Washington liquor sales will not be affected.
• Idaho state-owned liquor stores will be open.
• Parking meters do not have to be plugged.
• City of Spokane public swimming pools are open.