A top-notch band out of Bellingham, along with fireworks, of course, will highlight Marysville’s first free 4th of July fireworks show at Marysville-Pilchuck High School Thursday.
In Arlington, its annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will be similar to previous years, with parades, a fun run and triathlon, and more.
Gates will open at 7 p.m. at M-P. The band, Baby Cakes, is a 10-piece powerhouse of talented musicians, Baby Cakes takes their audiences on a joyride through the golden age of American Soul, funk and R&B. Featuring male and female lead vocals and full horn and rhythm sections, Baby Cakes plays everything from Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and Earth, Wind, and Fire to Beyonce and Bruno Mars.
The fireworks show choreographed to music expects to blast off at about 9:45 p.m. In-between there will be lawn games and other activities.
The Marysville Kiwanis Club and the Whistlestop Cafe will sell hot dogs, chips, pop or water, and the All-American dessert of Apple Pie and Ice Cream.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. No pets or personal fireworks, including sparklers. Alcohol, smoking and vaping are not allowed on school property, including parking areas.
In Arlington, the 4th of July celebration actually starts the day before with the Stilly Beer & Wine Garden July 3 from 2-10 p.m. at Haller Park. It continues on the actual holiday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Events start early on the 4th with a pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at Haller. The Pedal, Paddle, Puff Triathlon follows at 9 a.m. Usually it’s a three-person relay of a bicyclist, canoeist and runner.
The Foam 5K Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. Adding to the fun of a regular fun run is that participants run through foam at the finish line.
The silent and live Kiwanis Auction takes place at 9 and 10:30 a.m.
Events then move downtown with Old Fashioned Fourth games and activities at Legion Park from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Going from 2 to 6 p.m. is a hot dog barbecue at the Mason’s.
Preceding the Grande Parade is the Kiddies Parade, starting at 4:30, also on Olympic Ave.
After the Grande Parade the party moves back to Haller Park for the Rotary Duck Dash at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks are near the airport at the Boys and Girls Club.
Remember: Fireworks are illegal in Marysville, other than the professional show. Legal fireworks can be shot off in Arlington and north Snohomish County, but only on the 4th from 9 a.m. to midnight. Fireworks purchased at Boom City on the Tulalip Reservation can only be shot off there.
People can buy fireworks June 28 to July 4 at three locations in Arlington: Winchester Fireworks at 1917 Pioneer Highway East, and at TNT Fireworks stands at 3532 and 4010, both on 172nd Street NE.
