Lacey, Tumwater to host fireworks shows for Independence Day

 The cities of Lacey and Tumwater invite locals to participate in their upcoming Independence Day Events.

 Lacey

The City of Lacey invites locals to participate in its “drive up and watch” fireworks celebrations on Saturday, July 3 at 10 p.m. at the Chinook Middle School, 4301 6th Ave NE. (see map).

After a year of canceled celebrations, this is the first city-sponsored event. To comply with Thurston County’s health and safety guidelines, residents can drive up and witness the fireworks display which is planned to run for 25 minutes.

Viewers can watch the display from different locations including, North Thurston High School, Envision Career Academy, Martin Way, Safeway, Lowes, Hobby Lobby/Tractor Supply, and Capital Christian Center.

Parking lots are set to open at 8 p.m. However, this year’s event will not include traditional food vendors, booths, and live music performances. The city also reminds viewers that pets, alcohol, firearms, tobacco products, barbeques, and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Event organizers are preparing for heavy traffic in the area. To accommodate more people, RVs or trailers are not allowed in the parking lots.

Viewers can also walk in and watch the fireworks display as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. The event will also be live-streamed and available for replay at the City of Lacey's Facebook page.

Tumwater

On Sunday, July 4, Tumwater will hold a “Red, White, & Blue Drive-Thru” event. This year’s parade is different from the previous celebrations as the “entries” will be stationary while the audience drives along. Marisa Worden, recreation marketing specialist for the City of Tumwater, shared, “We’re joking a bit that this year’s event is a “reverse parade.”

The parade will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Hall at New Market Street. Participants include military and veteran’s groups as well as high school cheer and dance teams. 

That evening the city will host its “Thunder Valley Fireworks Show” at 10:15 p.m. at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course Driving Range. For this year, the city will not open the venue for public viewing.

However, there are several good places around Tumwater where residents can drive by to watch the fireworks display including, Tumwater Hill and the North Street Park.