Bang-up July 4 celebration in La Conner

The format remains the same, but La Conner’s honoring America’s birthday never gets old.

The town will again be scene of a full slate of Fourth of July festivities, starting with a 12 p.m. patriotic parade down First Street followed by children’s and family events at Pioneer Park. Join in the traditional afternoon holiday fun including three-legged races, a hot dog feed and watermelon-eating contest.

And at that point the party’s just getting started.

A beer and wine garden and food vendors will be at the Port of Skagit’s La Conner Marina at 5 p.m. Then, about an hour later, live outdoor music...