Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 11:59 PM PST
We went out to see the 4th of July fireworks last night at Gas Works Park, supposedly the best place in Seattle to see fireworks (and easy walking distance from Fremont). We got there early, setting up shop (blanket, books, food, etc) at about 4 o'clock (it was already getting a bit cramped for space), and waited through the afternoon as helicopters, police sea-doos, dancing girls on boats, the fire department, and strange people in the crowd distracted and entertained us.
Finally, at dusk, the show started with a Chinook military helicopter ("back from a tour of duty in Iraq") flying around the lake while spotlights shone on the giant American flag suspended on a wire platform underneath it. The military association with the country's birthday felt a bit politicized...
A choir sung the national anthem before the fireworks began. The fireworks were great. Every year I see fireworks, there seem to be one or more new amazing tricks (green cubes, rising and falling rockets, rings, etc). The show lasted for a full half hour, and was well-coordinated with a musical soundtrack.
All in all, a great evening. Check out some pictures here.
