This year’s Independence Day at Fort Vancouver promises a bigger and brighter show at the National Historic Site.
The fireworks will be the larger 5-inch shells, said Cara Cantonwine, the Fort Vancouver Trust’s director of programs. The increased size means the fireworks will shoot up to 500 feet in the air from Pearson Field, with a spread of 500 feet.
While the fireworks show begins at 10:05 p.m., the gates open at 8 a.m., with activities and entertainment kicking off at noon. Performers include the Patrick Lamb Band, Cadillacs for Everyone and the Nu Wavers, along with the top 10 participants of the Sing 4th Teen Vocal Competition. Portland Taiko, a Japanese drumming group, also will perform, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the city of Vancouver’s sister city relationship with Joyo, Japan, said Cantonwine.
Advanced tickets are now on sale for $5 online at www.fortvan.org/fourth. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger. Tickets will be $7 at the gate. Presale tickets will also be available from local Fred Meyer stores starting June 1. The prime-viewing area, which includes a picnic dinner, private music stage and a front row seat, will cost $50 for ages 21 and older, $25 for those younger than 21, and free for ages 5 and younger.
