4th of July pops on Vashon

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Vashon marked Independence Day last weekend with a professional fireworks show that lit up the sky over Quartermaster Harbor.

The approximately 25-minute annual fireworks show, funded for years by anonymous donors, featured a rainbow’s array of colors that drew “oohs” and “aahs” from islanders who showed up to watch at Jensen Point, Dockton Park, and other spots lining the harbor.

The show’s finale, as always, was a barrage of pyrotechnics that feathered the sky with an ever-changing spectacle mirrored in the still, dark water below.

Earlier that day, a 100-person-strong rally at Ober Park, leading to a protest march snaking through sidewalks in the center of town, showed a different kind of fiery response to the nation’s political landscape.

The rally and march, organized by Indivisible Vashon, protested multiple actions by the Trump Administration, with participants calling them a threat to democracy and an affront to the highest ideals of United States.

Islander Greg Wessel, dressed in colonial garb, gathered signatures on his rewrite of the nation’s Declaration of Independence, outlining the recent “injuries and usurpations” inflicted on the nation by President Trump.

Rally-goers also cheered a passionate speech by Bryan Long, who also drew inspiration from the Declaration of Independence.

“… We find we must protect and preserve this liberal democracy and the rule of law, from the unconstitutional, corrupt, immoral and selfish actions of a president who wants to be a king, of a Congress that has abdicated its power, and of a Supreme Court which overturns established legal precedents to elevate the power of that corrupt president,” Long said.

Participants also sang a new version of “America the Beautiful,” re-titled as “America the Sorrowful,” written by the singer and songwriter Eden. The voices of islanders rang out the re-fashioned lyrics: “How sorrowful when hatred holds the gavel and the scales / How beautiful for humankind when selfless love prevails / America, America, abandon hate and greed / There’s so much more worth living for that starts with you and me.”

July 4 began at dawn when a large crowd of 200 islanders showed up at Jensen Point to watch Vashon’s annual hydroplane race — a decades-long island tradition.

The hydro party actually started on the evening of July 3, as Vashon Heritage Museum officially dedicated its outdoor exhibit commemorating the history of the race on Vashon. Race founder Roger Stanley was an honored guest at the event.

And then, at dawn on July 4, seven racers set out from Jensen Point at 5:15 a.m. for the 65th running of the race.

First time racer Elijah Nicholson had mechanical problems and was unable to start the race, and longtime participant Morgan Snyder headed out of Quartermaster Harbor but did not finish. Eddie Protzeller and Nick Amundsen made it to Point Robinson, where Protzeller’s motor died. After Protzeller’s boat restarted, both turned back to Jensen Point and did not complete the full race.

Three racers were left, and after battling rough water on the east side, Middling was ahead as he headed down the west side. Middling won, completing the race in 38:56 minutes. Evan Hills was hot on Middlings tail, crossing the finish line 39:01, followed by Beau Coy at 39:49.

Not everyone was off work, playing or protesting on July 4, though.

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) first responders had busy days on both July 3 and 4, but no fires or injuries related to consumer fireworks were reported, according to Interim Fire Chief Ben Davidson.

“We did attend the hydro races with our marine unit and two rescue swimmers — as well as posting an aid unit at Jensen Point,” said Davidson, who also personally drove his truck to Jensen Point for the race. “Otherwise, firefighters visited key areas such as KVI Beach, Ellisport Beach, Dockton and Jensen Point throughout the evenings of both July 3rd and 4th.”

King County Sheriff’s Office also did not receive any fireworks-related calls on Vashon, according to spokesperson Brandyn Hull.

But that doesn’t mean phones weren’t ringing elsewhere.

July Fourth and the days leading up to the explosive holiday can be stressful for pets, and Amy Carey, a founder of Haven, a pet rescue organization, said on Monday that Haven had responded to multiple calls for assistance.

“This year was pretty hard,” she said. “We responded to nine dog situations, most of which occurred on the actual 4th of July. Gratefully, all dogs made it home safely.”

Carey said that while the professional fireworks display was loud and overwhelming, it helped that personal consumer fireworks are now banned in unincorporated King County. Still, she said, many dogs spent the day and night hiding or running in fear.

What truly stood out for her, though, was the community’s care for these animals.

“Instead of only receiving reports of frightened animals still on the loose, we witnessed neighbors stepping up and going out of their way to help secure scared dogs, keeping them safe and comforting them after calling Haven,” she said. “It’s a testament to the compassion and kindness that run through our community.”

Vashon Island Pet Protector’s volunteers were also active on July 4, said Geoff Fletcher, who serves on the organization’s board. “We had a few calls, but those were resolved quickly,” Fletcher said. “The change in law is having an impact. Now if we can just get Kitsap [County] to do the same.”

Brian Brenno contributed reporting on Vashon’s July Fourth hydroplane race.