Celebrate America’s birthday with free fireworks and music

Fireworks, barbecues and parades are making their way to the Inland Northwest for Fourth of July celebrations.

Since it’s illegal to shoot off any kind of fireworks across much of Spokane County, you might want to leave it to the professionals. Check out these free fireworks shows going on around town instead.

Riverfront Park

It’s not unusual for 30,000 people to crowd into Riverfront Park for the Larry H. Miller fireworks, Riverfront Park assistant manager Debby Dodson said. But it’s closer to about 75,000 people across the city who can watch the show.

“All downtown there’s great viewing,” she said.

Fireworks begin at about 10 p.m., but there are activities all day. The Spokane Jazz Orchestra, square dancers and country singer Jerry Unruh will join the festivities. If you feel like spending $10 for a park day pass, you can get unlimited access to the rides.

Liberty Lake

Big band music will fill Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park at the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Six Foot Swing and Tuxedo Junction will take the stage at the park at about 6 p.m. The bands will jump and jive until dusk, when fireworks will light the sky over the lake. Families are encouraged to bring camping chairs, a blanket and a picnic and spend the day at the lake.

Fireworks will begin at about 10 p.m. There will be concessions available through the Liberty Lake Kiwanis.

Coeur d’Alene

Rumor has it that the Knudtsen Chevrolet fireworks show will feature the largest round ever shot over Lake Coeur d’Alene, said Diane Higdem, the events coordinator for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.

While the mighty shell hasn’t been confirmed yet, Higdem said, the fireworks are spectacular regardless of where you watch the show.

“If you’re anywhere along the beach, you’ll get a great view,” Higdem said.

Parking will be tricky this year with construction on Sherman Avenue, but there’s plenty of space on the east part of town, Higdem said. People in residential areas are used to visitors parking on the street, she added, so visitors from Spokane and Post Falls shouldn’t be shy about parking in neighborhoods.