America’s birthday party begins July 3 in Poulsbo

Once again, Poulsbo’s 3rd of July celebration neared and, once again, the Viking Fest Corporation, which presents the event, was short on cash for the fireworks spectacular over Liberty Bay.

POULSBO — Once again, Poulsbo’s 3rd of July celebration neared and, once again, the Viking Fest Corporation, which presents the event, was short on cash for the fireworks spectacular over Liberty Bay.

Just as it looked as if the fireworks show would be dimmed, five sponsors stepped up. And the show will go on.

The costs are being covered by Safeway, which donated $10,000; Port of Poulsbo, $5,000; City of Poulsbo, $5,000; Sluys Bakery, $3,000; and Olympic Property Group, $2,500.

Thousands of people crowd both sides of Liberty Bay for the fireworks show — that’s from marinas, parks, businesses, yards, and boats that are anchored out. Viking Fest Corp. president Kathi Foresee estimates the annual show draws as many as 15,000 people to the waterfront, with possibly that many more watching from a distance.

Booths open at noon and the entertainment starts at 3 p.m. at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park for those who like to come early and stake their fireworks-viewing spot with a blanket or chair. Among the vendors: Hawaiian shaved ice, Viking Ice Cream, and corn on the cob.

Here’s the entertainment schedule.

n3-4 p.m.: Dance Within.

n4-5 p.m.: Sweet Tea and Justice.

n5:15-6:15 p.m.: Iverson Brothers.

n6:30-7:30 p.m.: Kate Hart.

n7:30-8 p.m.: Opening ceremonies, with color guard presentation, the National Anthem sung by Kate Hart, and welcome by Mayor Becky Erickson.

n8-10 p.m.: Navy Band Northwest Passage.

n10:15 p.m.: Fireworks. “It’s about a 15- to 20-minute show,” Foresee said.

If you don’t want to try and find parking downtown, you can catch a shuttle from North Kitsap High School and Home Depot.

The celebrations continue with July 4 festivities, including Kingston’s Fourth of July and Fourth of July in Port Gamble.

Kingston’s celebration begins with the Kingston Cove Yacht Club’s Pancake Breakfast starting at 8 a.m.

 

  • The annual Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.
  • Tiny Town opens at 10 a.m.
  • Kingston parade beings at noon.
  • The ball race begins at 1:30 p.m.
  • The music festival at Mike Wallace Park starts at 4 p.m., and ends with the Blues Counselors who go on stage at 9 p.m.
  • The fireworks display over the cove begin at dusk.

 

Port Gamble’s festivities dubbed Old Mill Days Americana begin noon July 4.

The fun begins with chainsaw competitions, live music, and a beer garden at 5 p.m. There will be a lumberjack and fireworks show.

On July 5, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., a lumberjack and chainsaw show, car show, carving auction and fireworks show will be held.

The festivities end July 6 with a timberman contest, more carving competitions, an auction and chainsaw champion race finals.

 

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