July 4th in Seattle and beyond: Where should you go?

Fireworks explode during the Seafair Summer Fourth celebration at Gas Works Park on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Tens of thousands came out for the annual firework show on Lake Union.JOSHUA TRUJILLO/SEATTLEPI.COM

Seafair Summer Fourth (at Gas Works Park) It's quite possibly one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in Washington state and the fireworks shooting out over Lake Union are quite the spectacle that kicks off Seafair Summer in Seattle. Make your way to Gas Works Park early to grab a spot and enjoy the festivities that include a pie-eating contest, sack races, food vendors and a beer garden. Gates open at noon and admission is free. — **Seafair Summer Fourth (at Gas Works Park)**
It's quite possibly one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in Washington state and the fireworks shooting out over Lake Union are quite the spectacle that kicks off Seafair Summer in Seattle.

Make your way to Gas Works Park early to grab a spot and enjoy the festivities that include a pie-eating contest, sack races, food vendors and a beer garden.

Gates open at noon and admission is free.
JOSHUA TRUJILLO/SEATTLEPI.COM

Naturalization Ceremony Held annually at the Seattle Center, the 34th naturalization ceremony is an open and free ceremony where more than 500 new U.S. citizens are congratulated and celebrated. It's one of the largest daytime observances of Independence Day in the Northwest and a place where different city officials announced represented countries. The event starts at 11 a.m. — **Naturalization Ceremony**
Held annually at the Seattle Center, the 34th naturalization ceremony is an open and free ceremony where more than 500 new U.S. citizens are congratulated and celebrated.

It's one of the largest daytime observances of Independence Day in the Northwest and a place where different city officials announced represented countries.

The event starts at 11 a.m.
GENNA MARTIN/GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI

Carnation 4th of July Celebration If you're really looking to feel some small-town vibes on Independence Day, a trip east into King County will bring you to Carnation's July Fourth celebration. Pancake breakfast that leads into a 5K race? Yep. A kid's parade followed by a "grand" parade? You bet. Dodgeball, three-on-three basketball and food vendors all day? You know the answer to that. — **Carnation 4th of July Celebration**
If you're really looking to feel some small-town vibes on Independence Day, a trip east into King County will bring you to Carnation's July Fourth celebration. Pancake breakfast that leads into a 5K race? Yep. A kid's parade followed by a "grand" parade? You bet.

Dodgeball, three-on-three basketball and food vendors all day? You know the answer to that.
Wikimedia Commons

The Fourth of July is on a Thursday this year, so go ahead and request that Friday off.

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Because after celebrating in Washington you'll either be battling traffic until late at night in the city, or driving back from a small-town celebration of Americana.

Seattle's fireworks over Lake Union make for a day full of fun, while towns like Carnation and Bainbridge Island have that traditional charm.

Every city and town has fireworks, and most of them have parades. So how can you decide where to celebrate the day?

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Maybe you're going back to the town you grew up in, or going early to capture a spot at Gas Works Park.

No matter where you decide, just make sure they have hot dogs, something to entertain the kids and a good spot to see all those fireworks blow up and light the Washington sky.

For a few ideas of where to go and what you can expect, look through the gallery above for just some of the celebrations around Washington state.