As cold, rainy, and generally FOUL that the weather has been today, it’s kind of difficult for me to imagine enjoying the Independence Day festivities under a sweltering summer sun. But the 4th of July is still 26 days off, and there’s just no way to know. So, if you’re hoping for a warm sunny 4th, the usual strategies are to cross your fingers, pray to whatsoever God(s) you revere, etc…

If you’re one of those people who professes to like this seemingly endless season of storm, I command you to go out and stand in it. Right now, this moment. For a couple hours.

Back to the 4th: one could always “get out of Mordor,” so to speak. Sounds nice. East of the mountains, down around Goldendale, where the annual precipitation totals are around 9 inches might be a good bet. If not there, then the Desert Southwest. I’m pretty sure Allegiant flies directly out of Bellingham to Phoenix, so if you should reach your wits end under these steel gray skies, there’s that route of escape, if you can afford it.

Below are links to the websites of 22 different Independence Day Celebrations across the state. Preliminary to that, I’ll say that while Bellingham’s evening fireworks display, sponsored by Haggen, is more than respectable (incorporating the massive and spectacular 16″ shells), there’s virtually nothing else going on in town that day. Except for kids blowing stuff up. So if you’re seeking something slightly more social and dynamic, like a street festival, you’re going to have to look farther afield.

22 25 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

4th of Jul-Ivars, 10 pm, Elliott Bay, Seattle

♥ = GreatNorthwest picks