While it is illegal to shoot off fireworks anywhere on Bainbridge Island, you don’t have to go too far to enjoy that 4th of July tradition.
Fireworks are being sold just across the Agate Pass Bridge by the Suquamish Tribe. There are stipulations, however, as they only can be shot off on tribal land at the Port Madison Reservation. Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe also sells fireworks that can be shot off on their reservation. Families that sell the fireworks can tell you where you can shoot them off.
Regular consumer fireworks can be shot off in unincorporated Kitsap County from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 only. Those are being sold at various locations, mostly in the Bremerton and Silverdale areas, from noon June 28 to 10 p.m. July 4.
However, fire chiefs all over North Kitsap are urging folks to forego private fireworks because of recent hot weather and dry conditions. The Kitsap County fire marshal already implemented a Phase I Fire Danger Burn Ban. Fireworks rules vary between cities and unincorporated areas as well as on local tribes’ reservations. To verify what rules apply, see the fire marshal’s website. Jurisdictions may impose emergency bans if conditions continue to worsen.
People concerned about fireworks use should make a report on the fireworks page of Kitsap 911’s website, rather than call the emergency number.
KCFCA has traditionally encouraged the public to “leave fireworks to the professionals” and attend public displays. However, only one public display in Kingston is scheduled. KCFCA has a list of alternatives to fireworks that include glow sticks, silly string and noisemakers; an internet search reveals scores of additional fun ideas.
“Our nation’s independence is an occasion well worth celebrating,” Poulsbo Fire Chief Jim Gillard said. “We want to encourage the public to celebrate with their friends, families and neighbors in a safe manner so that everyone can enjoy the Fourth of July.”
Bainbridge Island
While there won’t be a fireworks display there will be some Bainbridge Grand Old 4th events.
Fun Run: Choose your own time and route. Run, walk, hike, bike or jog in your neighborhood or favorite park. Not on Bainbridge for the holiday? No problem — participate from wherever you are.
5K or 1 mile — all ages. Entry fee $20 per participant. Includes a race bib and the opportunity to win prizes and earn a t-shirt if you raise $100 over your entry fee.
Kids Dash — ages 7 and younger. Entry fee $10 per kid and includes a race bib and the opportunity to win prizes and earn a t-shirt if you raise $100 over your entry fee.
The Dog Jog — Entry fee $10 per dog and includes a commemorative bandana for your pet. Win a prize for your dog.
Every dollar earned through the Fun Run works to keep Bainbridge Youth Services free and accessible to all youth. For details go to www. askbys.org/2021-fun-run/.
Parade: The Bainbridge Island Classic Car Cruise Parade combines the love of classic automobiles with a desire to help local kids. Open to the public, enjoy cool cars and special interest vehicles or bring one of your own (no fee or advance reservation required).
Kicking off at the Bainbridge First Baptist Church (corner of Madison & Highway 305), the cruise will visit all four corners of the island over the course of an approximately 90-minute parade route, bringing this year’s procession to you, wherever you live on Bainbridge.
Donations welcome — funds will be donated to Helpline House’s Project Backpack. For details go to www.bainbridgeisland carshow.com/
Also, the local band Slate will perform a free concert to celebrate the 4th. The concert will be from 1- 3 p.m. on Bainbridge Island at Winslow Green, 100 Winslow Way. Slate covers jazz standards, rock classics and R&B hits.
No personal consumer fireworks are allowed on BI — that includes small ones like sparklers and firecrackers, along with larger ones like cone fountains, aerial shell kits, Roman candles, and mine and shell devices. The City Council OK’d in 2019 a ban on the sale, possession or use of fireworks because of concerns about wildlife, noise, safety and environmental impacts. The only things allowed are novelty devices such as snakes, snappers, party poppers and toy smoke devices, along with public shows, of which none is planned this year.
Kingston
The Kingston 4th of July Celebration is back to normal this year as COVID-19 numbers continue to drop in Kitsap County.
From 8-11 a.m. the Kingston Cove Yacht Club offers a Pancake Breakfast for $7 for adults, $5 for kids. Address is 25815 Washington Blvd.
The Main Street Parade kicks off at noon on Highway 104. There will be free hot dogs for kids after the parade; for adults cost is $1.
From 1-9 p.m. the KCYC will have an outdoor tent where alcoholic beverages will be served, such as beer, wine and cocktails. The Kingston Market also will be taking place.
The Music Festival runs from 6-10 p.m. at Mike Wallace Park on the Port of Kingston. Music will be performed by The Blue Rhinos and headliners Soul Siren.
Fireworks start at dusk.
Poulsbo
Though the traditional 3rd of July Fireworks celebration has been canceled this year, Independence Day fun can still be had in the Viking City.
The Port of Poulsbo and Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association is putting on a classic car cruise downtown July 3 in lieu of the traditional gathering at the waterfront park.
Drivers and riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their vehicles for the cruise, which will begin at 4 p.m. Drivers should meet in the parking lot at Poulsbo Village on 7th Avenue near the old Albertsons. Folks are encouraged to view the cruise as they wine and dine at downtown Poulsbo establishments.
