In a year where Covid-19 has all but shut down the world, celebrating our Nation’s independence will look quite different this July 4th. Much of Washington State has cancelled its fireworks shows, parades, and mass holiday gatherings. While this is a hard reality for most, it may come as a welcome change for those with ASD and their families. Many with ASD struggle to enjoy this holiday and the accompanying boom of fireworks, over-stimulation, and large crowds. They have been hard-pressed to find alternative ways to celebrate the 4th in years past. However, this year’s celebrations might just be tailor-made for our ASD friends and their families.
Drive-in and virtual 4th of July events will be the only way to view fireworks this year in Seattle and most places around the State. Below is a list of events to entertain the entire family:
KING COUNTY
Kirkland's Virtual 4th of July Event
The City of Kirkland, the Celebrate Kirkland Leadership Team, and the Kirkland Downtown Association are hosting the first ever virtual Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July event. And because no 4th of July is complete without a spectacular display of fireworks, return to the City Facebook page at 10 p.m. for the 2020 virtual fireworks show! The online display features dazzling pyrotechnics from years past to help brighten your screens and bring the 4th of July holiday to life. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
PIERCE COUNTY
Red, White & Kaboom Drive-In Fireworks
The city of Puyallup has re-imagined its annual 4th of July event as a Drive-In celebration. The fun happens at the Gold lot at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Decorate your car, win prizes, enjoy streamed live music, prize drawings, food trucks and a walking map to local dining. The evening will culminate with a spectacular Fireworks Display. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
4 on the 4th
Join the City of Auburn for their virtual 4 on the 4th program created to get people outside and active. To participate, simple walk, run, bike, hike or swim four miles on the 4th. Then email a record of your activity to receive a finisher certificate from the City of Auburn a few weeks later via snail mail. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
OLYMPIC PENINSULA
Port Angeles 4th of July CelebrationThe Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce will livestream an evening concert and fireworks show over the Port Angeles Harbor. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Virtual Yankee Doodle Dash
This event replaces the live 21st Yankee Doodle Dash. This year community members from our Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mukilteo and Stanwood YMCA are banding together to complete as many miles as they can. SAT/SUN. EVENT DETAILS
CENTRAL WASHINGTON
Cle Elum Independence Day Fireworks Show
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual Independence Day Firework Show, a free community gathering on the 4th of July at Memorial Park. This will be a drive-in event, as well as a virtual broadcast. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
TRI-CITIES
Grand Old 4th of July
The City of Pasco is happy to announce alternate events and activities for this year’s Grand Old 4th of July, including Grand Old 4th of July Virtual 20-Mile Challenge, Grand Old 4th of July Virtual Parade, Pasco Goes Camp-IN, and Family Freedom Bike Ride. FRI/SAT/SUN. EVENT DETAILS
EASTERN WASHINGTON
4th of July Drive-In Fireworks
The City of Spokane will host a 4th of July Drive-In Fireworks celebration! Participants can park at one of the four locations or watch the fireworks from home. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
NATIONWIDE
Independence Day Party with CAMP and Kroger
It’s a red, white and blue-berry Independence Day party and you’re all invited! Join CAMP and Kroger for an hour of creativity and fun. They'll guide you through DIY tie-dye, participate in an interactive magic show and dance! FRIDAY. EVENT DETAILS
July 4th Oration—The Struggle for Justice Continues
Using the 1852 address by Frederick Douglass as a framework, the Oration examines issues of liberty, citizenship, civic engagement and social responsibility from the historical perspective in light of contemporary injustice. Amidst contemporary crises, Douglass’s address rings out from history, reminding us we must learn from the past to create the future all Americans deserve. SATURDAY. EVENT DETAILS
WAAA wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and safe 4th of July!