School break and the solstice are two ways of marking the start of summer, but the season never feels fully here until after properly celebrating our country’s Independence Day.
In Grays Harbor, there are more than a few a ways to experience the 4th of July — with or without a bang. Here’s a look at some of the 4th of July activities taking place in and around Grays Harbor this summer.
Note: With the 4th of July falling on a Monday and many activities taking place in advance of the holiday on Saturday and Sunday, be sure to plan your partying accordingly.
1. Seabrook 4th of July Festival
The beach town of Seabrook is celebrating Independence Day with three days of patriotic summer fun. The fun kicks off on Saturday, July 2 with Seabrook’s Red, White and Blue Bike Parade (11:00 a.m.) followed by the town’s popular Saturday Market (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
On Sunday, July 3, visitors of Seabrook can continue the celebration with a full day of festivities, starting with Rowdy Ref’s Family Game Show at the amphitheater (2:00 p.m.). Later in the evening, take part in the Porch Illumination Walk (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) before cozying up around the fire for s’mores at Crescent Park (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Monday, July 4 pays homage to our country’s independence with a flag presentation at the amphitheater (11:00 a.m.) followed by a day’s worth of family friendly 4th of July activities throughout the town.
For more information about Seabrook’s 4th of July festivities, click here.
2. Tokeland 4th of July Parade
The nearby town of Tokeland is kicking off 4th of July weekend with its annual 4th of July Parade. Everyone is welcome to participate in this South Beach tradition and encouraged to take part in the fun. Whether you want to cruise through in your antique hot rod, pedal past on two wheels, or just sit back and watch the colorful parade as it rolls through town, there’s something for everyone. The parade kicks off at the Tokeland Marina at 10:30 a.m. and culminates at the Tokeland Hotel with hot dogs, live entertainment, fun, games and more.
For more information about Tokeland’s annual 4th of July Parade, visit the Tokeland-North
3. Old Fashioned 4th of July
Each year, the Westport Maritime Museum celebrates the 4th of July with a weekend-long look back on our nation’s independence. Enjoy two days of old-fashioned arts, crafts, music and more Saturday, July 3 – Sunday, July 4 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., both days) at the Westport Maritime Museum.
Visit the Westport Maritime Museum online for more information.
4. 4th of July SPLASH Festival
If you’re looking for a big celebration — one that concludes with a massive fireworks display over the Chehalis River — look no further than the City of Aberdeen’s annual 4th of July SPLASH Festival. Boasting a day-long celebration of live music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, inflatable rides, games, and other fun activities for the whole family, it’s no wonder that this fun-filled 4th of July celebrations draws in crowds from across the county and beyond. The fun starts at noon at Morrison River Front Park, but stick around until the end — you won’t want to miss the fireworks show at 10:00 p.m.
For more information about this year’s 4th of July SPLASH Festival, visit the event’s website here.
5. Booming Bay Fireworks Display
This annual fireworks show is a Westport favorite. Held each year at the Westport Marina, crowds near and far gather by the hundreds to enjoy the 20-minute fireworks show as it booms over the normally quiet coastal town. Head to the marina early to claim a good vantage point to watch the sky turn ablaze with color. The show starts promptly at dusk.
For more information about the show, visit the Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center’s website.
6. Fireworks on the Beach
Host your own fireworks show this 4th of July by heading to Ocean Shores where you can legally light off your own fireworks right on the beach. Get to the beach early for a fun-filled day of picnicking, kite flying and more — then, when the sun goes down, enjoy creating your own light show along fellow beach-goers.
