Fireworks 411: Snoqualmie offers Public Display as Aerial Ban takes Hold; no Changes for North Bend, unincorporated King County

Fireworks stands started selling legal fireworks around the Snoqualmie Valley this week – so we thought we’d remind you (yes, again) of some changes in store this year.

As the City of Snoqualmie approaches its first 4th of July with an aerial fireworks ban in place, it is offering residents a professional fireworks display in the sky over Snoqualmie Community Park as an alternative.

City officials have placed numerous signs around the community reminding residents of the fireworks law change, as well as using its reverse 911 system to call out the same reminder.

This year LEGAL fireworks in Snoqualmie include:

• Ground fireworks
• Hand-held sparkling devices
• Smoke devices

Questions about whether certain fireworks meet these criteria may be directed to Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mark Correira at mcorreira@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us or 425-888-1551.

Red, White and Boom Fireworks Celebration

Serve Snoqualmie and the City of Snoqualmie are hosting the 1st Annual Red White and Boom Fireworks Celebration. The event will be at Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 SE Ridge St, on July 4th. Seating will be available in the upper and lower fields beginning at 7PM, with the professional pyrotechnics fireworks display starting around 9:45PM.

The free family gathering is not just for Snoqualmie, but for surrounding communities as well.  Everyone is welcome.

The Red White and Boom event includes free giveaways, music, bounce houses and other vendors. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase while you wait for the show to start.

In North Bend and unincorporated areas of King County, fireworks laws did NOT change so aerial devices are still legal on the 4th of July from 9AM – midnight only.

Fireworks in the City of North Bend – including Unincorporated Areas of King County

• Only common fireworks are legal for sale to the public.
• It is unlawful to sell fireworks to any persons under the age of 16 years. The seller shall require proof of age by means of display of a Washington State driver’s license or photo identification card issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing. No other forms of identification shall be accepted.
• The sale of any fireworks prior to 12:00PM on June 28th or after 11:00PM on July 4th of each year is prohibited, except where otherwise provided in this chapter.
• The possession, use or discharge of any fireworks are prohibited at all times, except between 9:00AM and midnight on July 4th each year.

So… what’s ILLEGAL in Snoqualmie for 2016?

Illegal Fireworks Possessed or Discharged in Snoqualmie:

• Aerial devices including bottle rockets and missiles, among many others
  (anything that goes up in the air)
  Fine: $250 for each violation of possession
  Fine: $750 for each violation of discharge
• Fire crackers
  Fine: $250 for each violation of possession
  Fine: $750 for each violation of discharge
• Illegal explosive devices (Fine: $5,000 and/or one year in prison)

Some fireworks sold at state-approved stands, as well as those on tribal reservations, can become illegal when possessed or discharged in Snoqualmie city limits.

Important FYI: Many fireworks purchased on tribal reservations are also illegal (per state law) in North Bend and unincorporated King County areas – and come with a possible penalty of a $5000 fine and year in jail.

Safety Measures to Avoid Injury and Property Damage

• Keep a bucket of water and fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.
• Only adults should light fireworks or handle sparklers.
• Teach children to “stop, drop, and roll”.
• Consider pet safety and security.

Snoqualmie Ridge ROA BIG 4th of July Celebration, Kid Parade Continues

The ROA tradition continues! Decorate your bikes and trikes or just show your patriotic spirit by participating in the annual 4th of July Parade led by  Mayor Larson. The parade begins at 10:30am at Cascade View Elementary. Following the parade, The ROA hosts its annual celebration in the park with lots of bouncy houses, face painting, food, etc. from 11AM – 2PM.