PORT TOWNSEND — The Fourth of July display at Fort Worden State Park is the only way to enjoy fireworks legally in the city of Port Townsend, but fireworks can be set off outside the city now.
All use of consumer fireworks is prohibited within the Port Townsend city limit.
Fireworks are allowed in most rural areas in East Jefferson County, with some restrictions, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
Fire department spokesman Bill Beezley said fireworks can be set off in the unincorporated area outside the Port Townsend city limit between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. beginning today and extending through Tuesday.
Hours on Wednesday, the Fourth of July, will be from 9 a.m. to midnight.
On Thursday, fireworks can be set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In the Port Ludlow village limits, fireworks have been allowed since Friday between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. through the Fourth of July.
Within Port Townsend, only the public fireworks show at Fort Worden on the Fourth of July is legal.
It also will be a family-friendly event, organizers said.
“We are ready to go for our 11th year,” said Port Townsend Realtor John Eissinger, who is also a licensed pyrotechnist.
“This will be a good old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration.”
The fireworks are slated to begin at 10 p.m. and will last for about 20 minutes, Eissinger said.
Although Eissinger set off the fireworks from a barge for nine years, this year — like last year — the show will originate on land, on a beach area near the Point Wilson Lighthouse.
The Port Townsend police will set up a safety perimeter on Battery Way during the fireworks.
“You can watch the fireworks from the lighthouse, but if you are out there, you won’t be able to leave until it’s over,” Eissinger said.
The city of Port Townsend is subsidizing the display, which is costing $10,000.
It is also subsidizing parking. No Discover Pass will be required for entry and parking from 7 p.m. until the fireworks are over.
Fireworks are available at two places in Port Hadlock: at the intersection of Rhody Drive and Ness’ Corner Road, which benefits the Chimacum High School band, and in the parking lot of Ferino’s Pizza, 846 Ness’ Corner Road, which benefits the Chimacum High School Class of 2013.
The stand outside of Ferino’s will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day through Thursday, unless there are no customers, in which case it will close early, said Chris Nelson, who was managing the stand Friday.
Information was not available about the band stand’s hours.
A fireworks stand was in Quilcene last year, but none has been set up this season, said Fire Chief Mo Moser said.
“I haven’t seen them this year, although their truck could pull in at any time,” he said Friday.
Beezley said commercial fireworks such as sparklers are allowed while prohibited devices include cherry bombs and tennis ball bombs, bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, chasers, firecrackers and salutes, and other homemade or altered fireworks.
Consumer fireworks are permitted with restrictions in Clallam County, where public fireworks displays are planned in Port Angeles, Forks and Neah Bay.
Other activities at Fort Worden State Park prior to the fireworks are:
■ Centrum’s annual Fiddle Tunes series will begin with “Fiddlin’ on the Fourth” at McCurdy Pavilion at Fort Worden State Park at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $18, $26 and $37, and are available by phoning 800-746-1982; in person at the Centrum office, 223 Battery Way, Fort Worden State Park, during business hours; at centrum.org; or at the box office one hour prior to a performance.
No Discover Pass is needed for Centrum events.
■ In downtown Port Townsend, the Summer Band will play an Independence Day concert at the Port Townsend American Legion Hall, corner of Water and Monroe streets, at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ptsummerband.org.
■ Port Townsend Marine Science Center exhibits on the beach at Fort Worden State Park will be free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
The center also will offer fish printing, or Gyotaku.
A Discover Pass is not needed to visit center buildings.
For more information, phone 360-385-5582, email info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
