Seattle might seem too cool -- both literally and idiomatically -- to join in an enthusiastic, flag-waving celebration of the Fourth of July, but events yesterday proved otherwise. A hot sun, temperatures that reached 87°, and, perhaps, a renewed, Obama-era pride in country led an estimated 50,000 spectators to mass together in Gasworks Park, overlooking Lake Union, for the annual fireworks display.
The fireworks -- these days, computer-coordinated with well-amplified recorded music -- were spectacular, one of the most impressive displays I've ever seen. The music gravitated toward various genres of rock, but with at least one 1950's pop hit thrown in. The show wrapped up with Disney's When You Wish Upon a Star, and -- for the finale -- an audience-participation rendition of God Bless America. Both the audience and the pyrotechnics went wild.
The park is a short walk from the UW, and I was surrounded by persons of all nationalities, speaking every conceivable language, including a surprising number of groups speaking Russian -- all of whom enthusiastically joined in the fun, helping their host country celebrate its national birthday.
Best of all -- and most surprising, for us Seattleites -- it was completely comfortable walking home in shorts and t-shirts as the clock approached midnight. A Fourth memorable for that fact alone, if nothing else!
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