Last year’s Fourth of July celebrations may have been a bit quieter than normal, without our favorite big shows, including the City of Lacey’s Fireworks Spectacular and Freedom Concert, which was cancelled for the first time in over 50 years. Thankfully, this year the City of Lacey will be lighting up the night skies with their fireworks display on July 3, 2021! Although it will look different this year, it’s still going to be a fun way to celebrate our Nation’s independence with our families.
“As we roll through 2021, we are having to create new ways of doing the things we used to do and that applies in a big way to events, as we’ve learned that COVID can be spread in crowded places,” shares Jeannette Sieler, CPRP, recreation supervisor for Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation. “The fireworks show will be our first public, in-person event and we are excited to be able to celebrate our country’s independence and the start of summer with our community!”
This year, the City of Lacey Fireworks Spectacular will be just a fireworks show – no food vendors, concerts, kids’ entertainment, etc. It will also take place in a new location that allows people to drive to and watch the fireworks while staying socially distant (and warm!) in their own cars. “In order to provide a COVID-safe opportunity, we have a new location so we will be able to provide lots of parking as the event takes on a ‘drive up and watch’ format,” explains Sieler. “With current COVID restrictions, we are not able to have large gatherings, so we felt this option would allow folks to enjoy the fireworks in a socially distant way, spreading out over a much larger area then in Rainier Vista park.”
Instead of heading to Rainer Vista Park, families can pile into their cars with blankets, food, drinks, and maybe a card game to play while they wait for the show to start. Think of it as a night picnicking in the car! For food, why not pre-order from your favorite local restaurant and pick it up to go on your way to the firework show?
Where to Watch the Lacey Fireworks 2021
Once you have all your treats and sweets, head to the parking areas with the best viewing. The Lacey fireworks display will be set off at 10 p.m. from the Chinook Middle School fields. Prime places to watch the fireworks are the parking lots at North Thurston High School, Chinook Middle School, and Envision Career Academy. You can also enjoy good viewing from locations along Martin Way at Safeway, Lowes, Hobby Lobby/Tractor Supply, and the large lot at Capital Christian Church. “We can achieve a safer environment with folks either staying in their vehicles or gathering in small groups near their cars in the parking lots to enjoy the show,” explains Sieler. The City also hopes to set up a broadcast so people can tune their car radios to a specific station to hear the music accompanying the fireworks show. They also plan to livestream the fireworks show on their Facebook page, allowing people to enjoy them from anywhere. Watch for details on their website.
School parking lots will open at 8 p.m. and will have porta potties available. Please keep in mind, there will be no pets, alcohol, tobacco products, firearms, personal fireworks, barbecuing (tailgating), RVs, or taking up more than one parking spot allowed. Also, current COVID-19 rules including masks, social distancing, and staying home if not feeling well must be followed. “We ask that people in the other parking lots follow the rules as well. We want to be sure this is a fun and safe experience for everyone,” adds Sieler. “We are excited to be able to provide the fireworks show to the community, thanks to our great sponsors TwinStar Credit Union, Interstate Batteries, and South Sound Center/Capital Development Company.”
For up-to-date information, visit the City of Lacey Firework page.
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