Event Information
Please take a moment to read the following information about joining us at Gas Works Park. We want everyone to have the best holiday possible and the following info should help you do that. Please e-mail us at info@onereel.org if you can't find an answer to your question.
WaMu Playfield
Check out the "Monkey Motion Extreme Air Quad Pod"—a fancy way to say "try flying." You can also slide the giant slide—between a 20-foot ape and a T-Rex—and hop in the belly of a crocodile. You can learn how to juggle with the Amazama Juggling School, race your friends in a potato-sack race or a three-legged race, test your strength at tug-of-war, or try your hand at kite making (and flying!) Plus, you can enjoy favorite hands-on activities at the WaMu exhibit featuring RockBand™ gaming and photos.
There's also fun with free face-painting and more! Everyone's a kid at the Playfield, which is open from noon until 8 pm.
Street Scramble
Families and friends can team up in search of 30 destinations around Gas Works Park and the Wallingford neighborhood, earning points along the way. This fun Street Scramble can be done on foot or by bike. Registration begins at noon with teams departing at 2pm. Sign up for either the 90-minute or 3-hour option (at Gas Works Park in the designated bike parking area) on July 4th or in advance at streetscramble.com
Lost Children
How should we prepare our child for a day at GasWorks Park?
The WaMu Family 4th is a large event with many attendees and is a wonderful experience for children. As with any outing, please make sure to go over basic safety rules with children before arriving at the event. Remind children to stay within your sight at all times. Also, point out the Information Booth location and Event staff members to children so they know who to ask for help if they should become separated from you.
What is KidSafe?
The event is now offering free wristbands to help reunite lost children with their parents and/or guardians as part of our new KidSafe program. When you arrive to the WaMu Family 4th, go to the Info Booth near the playbarn to complete a short registration form with your contact info and get a numbered wristband for your kid. In the event he or she is separated from you and brought to event Staff, we'll contact you immediately! This free service is also available for adults with disabilities.
What should we do if our child becomes separated from us?
If your child becomes separated from you, please report it immediately to the Information Booth or event staff person with a radio. The event staff team is very experienced and knows just what to do to help reunite you with your child as soon as possible.
Accessible Viewing Area
This special viewing area for patrons with disabilities opens at 6 p.m. and is located on the south side of the play barn.
National Anthem
The 2008 WaMu Family 4th is thrilled to have jazz and blues singer Francine Reed performing the National Anthem from the top of Gas Works' Kite Hill. Reed has toured solo and as an acclaimed member of Lyle Lovett's Large Band.
Chinook Helicopter Flyover
One of the many favorite traditions of the WaMu Family 4th is the inspiring sight of an Army Reserve Chinook helicopter, flying a 30' x 60' US flag while circling over Lake Union to the sound of Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful." This year's flyover will be handled by "A" Company, Fifth of the 159th Aviation Regiment ("The Hookers") from the United States Army Reserve of Fort Lewis, Washington.
Red, White and "Blue Thunder"
The Seattle Seahawks' incomparable drumline "Blue Thunder" will parade through the park to kick off the fireworks celebration. Event activities will also include the opportunity to meet Blitz, the team's mascot, at the Seahawks booth and families can visit the SeaGals stage in the WaMu Playfield for dazzling dance routines before and after the fireworks show (at approximately 9:30pm and 10:40pm).
Food & Beverage
You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages in to Gas Works Park on the 4th of July, and coolers are allowed into the park (subject to search). However, please remember that personal barbecues and alcoholic beverages brought from outside the park are not permitted during the WaMu Family 4th. There are barbecues on the grounds that you may use, and a beer garden will be set up for those of you who are 21+ (don't forget your ID!).
A variety of food and beverage vendors will be open for business from NOON to 10 pm featuring time-honored holiday menu choices of hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn and ice cream. Additional options include pizza, BBQ, gyros, and elephant eats, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, coffee drinks and smoothies.
Beer Garden
Beer and wine will be available in the lakeside beer garden from noon to 9:30pm. In addition, beer garden guests can compete in two rounds of trivia for prizes, beginning at 4pm, courtesy of Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant.
- You must be 21+ and you MUST present valid and acceptable ID to enter the beer garden.
- Acceptable forms of identification include: a current state issued driver's license or ID card, a current Canadian driver's license or ID card, United States military identification, or valid passport. International drivers licenses are not accepted (excepting Canada).
- Children, even babes in arms, are not permitted inside the beer garden under any circumstances.
- No beverages may be brought in to the beer garden, even non-alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for sale inside the beer garden.
Event Map
Click the image below to download a printable PDF version of the WaMu Family 4th map.
