We drove by the entrance to Gas Works Park a little after 10 this morning.
Lines were already forming at the entrances in preparation for tonight’s Chase Family Fourth fireworks show. Organizers are expecting as many as 50,000 people — 15,000 more over previous years due to the cancelation of the Elliott Bay fireworks show. Traffic jams in the area are expected from the afternoon hours all the way until 1:30 in the morning.
Surrounding Wallingford businesses were preparing to reap the rewards of paid parking: at one lot, rates were as high as $30. At noon, police begin barricading Wallingford side streets and strictly enforcing locals-only access. Here’s the list of impacted streets. And boat traffic is expected to increase at least 30 percent on the Lake Union for the event, but the Fremont Bridge will not open for boaters from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Have a happy Fourth of July, and stay safe out there!