Fireworks on 4th will be twice as spectacular

It’s almost “ooh and ah” time in the coulee, when thousands of people come to the area each year for the 4th of July Festival of America celebration, with the late evening fireworks show doubling in size this year over the top of Grand Coulee Dam.

This year’s show will also be put on by a new vendor, Rocket Man Pyros, out of Spokane.

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce is spending twice as much on fireworks this year, doubling the budget to $10,000, thanks to the generosity of the chamber’s corporate sponsors, said Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal.

The Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union, North Cascades Bank, Coulee Playland and Columbia River Inn are festival sponsors.

The fireworks will start right after the Laser Light Show, about 10:30.

The chamber is bringing back an attraction for kids that proved popular last year. An “inflatable village” will provide lots of games for kids, and others, to play in the park on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

And a new beer garden will operate both Friday and Saturday from 2-9 p.m. just outside the park in front of the town maintenance shop.

People traditionally bring their blankets and hang out all day, listening to live bands and having lunch and dinner at one of the vendor booths.

There are a lot of things to do at the park below the Visitor Center, with the special fireworks show capping off the Festival of America celebration.

The good advice is to come early, and stay late, and enjoy your stay.

[This story has been corrected. It now lists the correct time for the beer garden.]