KPLU Local News
(2009-07-03)
Fireworks over Seattle's Elliott Bay in 2008.
Flickr photo by Hobbes8Calvin
In Seattle, Ivar's Seafood Restaurants this year has ended its annual "Fourth of July-Vers" display over Elliot Bay. For two decades, the deck at Salty's Restaurant has been a front-row seat for the show.
General Manager Bonnie David said customers used to arrive early and stay late, making the evening a rollicking four-hour party. And while David is sad the crowds won't be gathering this year, she said what's lost is more significant than an evening's business.
"What's so great about the fireworks is that everyone in the city, on this beach, is looking at the same thing at the same time and we all have that same idea, and that same feeling of appreciation for our country," David said. "Even is there is mayhem before and afterwards, that few minutes is kind of a nice way to all stand together."
Seattle officials said no one stepped in to fund the Elliott Bay show. Last year, it drew tens of thousands of people to Alki Beach - some of whom parked RVs a week early to hold spots.
But the city isn't without major fireworks. The annual Lake Union display near Gas Works Park remains on schedule.
Alex Fryer, spokesman for Mayor Greg Nickels, said the city expects more people than ever.
"We are telling folks to show up early if they want to enjoy the fireworks from Gas Works," Fryer said. "And we're telling folks to be flexible and have a backup plan. We are expecting a lot of people to come out especially if the weather is nice - and there is only one fireworks show in town."
Next year remains an open question. Police and fire department overtime hours make large-scale shows expensive. The permit alone for this year's Lake Union event ran 33-thousand dollars -- money that will be in short supply if the economy doesn't begin to show a little spark.
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