Next Wednesday there will be fireworks

The next time you read this newspaper, it will be our nation’s birthday. Are you ready for the 4th of July in La Conner?

Robin Lindstrom hopes you will march in the parade down First Street, starting at 12 p.m. Line-up is at 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to assist, if you are not in the marching mood but want to help.

Veterans from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will be the color guard. “It makes me really happy. I always thought they should be included,” said Lindstrom. “I hope this starts a tradition.”

The annual community picnic and children’s events follow at Pioneer Park, including hot dogs, three-legged races and a watermelon contest.

Live music starts at 5 p.m. at The Port of Skagit marina. The free concert features the Pacific Northwest’s legendary Jr Cadillac and local classic rock favorites The Walrus.

Local food vendors and a beer / Anacortes Brewery are alternatives to picnicking.

The concert is a fundraiser for the Rick Epting Foundation for the Arts Fund for local undeserved music students. Proceeds from the beer garden and a raffle featuring donations from local artists, photographers and businesses, including a gas barbecue from Craft Stoves, will go to the La Conner School District for music lessons for students who cannot afford music lessons and equipment rental.

The music goes to 9 p.m.

Fireworks start at 10 p.m. from the island side of the Swinomish Channel, just north of Morris Street. The Town hired Western Display Fireworks, again. They produce the annual New Year’s Eve display at Seattle’s Space Needle.

Scott Thomas, town administrator, reflected on July 4h for the Weekly News: “I’ve been to a lot of small town 4th of July celebrations over the years. Been to Seattle’s about a dozen or more times also. Small town events are the best, because the community comes together in much the same way they have for over a hundred years – doing things like eating watermelons, listening to music, competing in sack races and water balloon tosses and watching fireworks. It’s not really possible to improve on that.”

To get into the parade or help it run smoothly, contact Robin Lindstrom: 360-299-2353, [email protected].

All other festivities, contact Linda Ann Lipke, 360-708-7770, [email protected].

The day is sponsored by the Town of La Conner and The Port of Skagit.