In search of fantastic 4th of July fireworks and convinced the TV just can’t cut it? Join the folks who revel in the real and get out of doors for authentic action. Here’s a quartet of places you might consider:
- Seattle is the site of Family 4th at Lake Union. Presented by hometown Starbucks, the goings-on begin at 10am. Park your blanket then and get set to stay a while. The day culminates when the sun sinks in the west. That’s when they broadcast the National Anthem and synchronized fireworks set the skies above the Emerald City ablaze with pyrotechnic majesty.
- Moving east, there’s more fire above water. This time it’s Lake Michigan and the place is Navy Pier. While the displays run at 9:30pm every Wednesday through Labor Day, this coming Wednesday is special. The fireworks rocket away at 9pm. The reflection of light above the lake is magnificent.
- Head south, to Dallas, and take in the show in this reporter’s hometown. It’s time for a Fair Park Fourth. The historic Cotton Bowl is the launch pad, and the skies over Big D the canvas for the sensational show. To get you in the mood, the Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony will perform its beloved Red, White and Blue Concert beginning at 8pm. Immerse yourself even further in the evening with the Bellagio-style dancing water show at the Esplanade Fountain. It’s choreographed to Stars and Stripes Forever, Yellow Rose of Texas and other favorites. The pyrotechnics themselves start at 9:30pm.
- What better place to end the cross-continent quest for some of the country’s best fireworks than the Boardwalk at Atlantic City. Without beating the cliché to death, this is a legitimate world-class show, a real “must-see.” Again, 9:30pm is the start time. This year’s show is “Let it Rock,” and so they do. The 20-minute slice of airborne artistry can be best seen from a one-mile swatch of Boardwalk and beach, from Revel Resort on Metropolitan Avenue all the way to The Atlantic Club on Boston Avenue.
(Image: Vironevaeh)
