On the Fourth of July, the skies over Quartermaster Harbor will once again light up with the cascades and comet effects of a professional fireworks display, starting just after dusk.
As in years past on Vashon, the display will be funded by anonymous donors.
Plans for the show were confirmed by Rich Vaughan, the show producer of Pyro Spectaculars, the fireworks company in charge of the event.
Vaughan said this year’s show — launched from a barge in the center of the harbor, as usual — will be as dazzling extravaganza, as always, despite an ever-changing landscape in his business.
“We’re dealing with a lot of intricate things with tariffs that have made things difficult this year, but our company is big enough we were able to secure everything we needed to make it work without having to raise prices,” he said. “But we don’t know what’s going to happen next year. All of the fireworks companies in the U.S. are in the same boat.”
Vashon’s display is one of 70 shows that Pyro Spectaculars will produce between July 1 and July 5 in the Northwest.
Islanders and visitors who wish to see the Vashon show can do so from a number of different vantage points, including Dockton Park and Jensen Point. There is no public shoreline access on Quartermaster Harbor, nor at the Quartermaster Marina.
Gallery cruise moved to July 3
Some island galleries and art spots have moved opening receptions — typically held on the first Friday of every month — to Thursday, July 3, since July 4 falls on a Friday this year.
Hydro race returns
Vashon’s annual hydroplane race — an event that has marked Independence Day on the island for almost seven decades — will commence at 5 a.m. July 4, at Jensen Point Park.
In the days leading up to the race, expect to hear the high, whining sound of the boats practicing for the annual race.
And the night before the big race, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, hydro lovers and history lovers can head to the Vashon Heritage Museum, where the official dedication of an outdoor exhibition about the race, unveiled last year, will take place.
Guests of honor will include Roger Stanley, who created the race in the mid-1950s, and whose hydro is now on display in the exhibit; Earl Van Buskirk, owner of Island Lumber, who donated all the materials to build the structure holding the exhibit; and Kevin Sudduth, who donated his time and expertise to construct that structure.
This year’s July 4 race will boast at least six hydros, said Brian Brenno, a lifelong islander and hydroplane aficionado. Brenno’s 2022 book, “4th of July Hydros: Circling Vashon Since 1955,” details the history of the noisy and thrill-packed island event — loved by many, hated by some, and tolerated as an island tradition by others.
Islanders in the final group, according to Brenno, are known for saying, with a shrug, “It only happens once a year.”
Caring for Pets
Many pets are distressed and disoriented by fireworks.
To report a lost or found pet, visit VIPP.org to make a report to Vashon Island Pet Protectors. Islanders can also call VIPP at 206-389-1085 or email lostandfound@vipp.org.
Another island nonprofit rescue, Haven, will also provide support to islanders in response to the upcoming holiday.
The organization will provide free microchipping and ID tags for community members and their dogs from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Vashon Dance Academy, located at 17645 100th Ave SW, in the Vashon Market IGA Plaza.
Walk-ups are welcome at the event, or pre-register at havenrescue.org/chip.
Haven has also established year-round public microchip reading stations on Vashon, with easy-to-use microchip readers, dog treats, leashes, and DIY tag supplies. Station 1 is at the soon-to-be Heights Grocery Store (formerly Grange Hall) property adjacent to the north-end ferry parking lot. Station 2 is in the back lot at Fair Isle Animal Clinic, and Station 3 is at Engels Repair and Towing, on Dockton Rd SW. Station 4 is on the roadside, near Haven, on 131st Ave SW. Look for the mailboxes with pinwheels.
In addition, the organization will have a team of responders ready to search for, pick up and provide safe refuge for running or lost pets.
Call or text Haven at 206-876-9652, or email info@havenrescue.org.
Fireworks ban
Consumer fireworks are banned throughout unincorporated areas in King County, so islanders aren’t allowed to light fireworks on their property or elsewhere.
The county encourages residents to find ways to celebrate July Fourth that don’t endanger residents, pets, or property.
Reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day.
A King County Local Services webpage, at tinyurl.com/5y9fccxy, lists more information about the ban and how to report violations.
Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property such as schools or parks, according to the web page. In those instances, complainants should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office. If life, physical injury, or property damage are threatened, call 911.
Interim Fire Chief Ben Davidson urged islanders to safely enjoy July 4 by leaving the display of fireworks to professionals. There are very real dangers and hazards in the use of personal fireworks, he said.
“Let’s be neighborly, let’s respect that folks are legitimately concerned for their own safety and the safety of their property,” he said.
Fire safety is increasingly important on July Fourth and during warmer, dryer summer months, he added. He said he is in regular communication with the King County Fire Marshall in order to communicate updated information with islanders about moisture content, weather patterns and fire risk as the July Fourth holiday approaches and throughout the summer months.
VIFR is historically busy during the July Fourth holiday, he added.
“We’re well prepared, as always, to serve our island community throughout the leadup and during July 4 celebrations,” Davidson said, adding that members of VIFR’s newly formed Wildland Firefighting Team will be ready to serve.
Burn Ban
On June 26, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas of King County, which includes Vashon Island. It takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., June 30.
The ban, issued because the hot and dry season is fast approaching, prohibits both yard debris fires and fires set to clear land. Recreational fires and use of gas/propane appliances — including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills — are still permitted. Those who smoke should use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.
Fire officials set the burn ban because rising temperatures are expected to dry out vegetation across the county. That increases the risk of a fire spiraling out of control.
There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:
• Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
• The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
• The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
• The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
• The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
• Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
• The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
• The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
• After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
• If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.
Get the latest information on current burn bans by visiting the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page.
This online article has been updated to include reporting on Stage 1 Burn Ban issued by the King County Fire Marshall on June 26.
