Independence Day weekend activities

Fort Lewis Freedom Fest ‘08

On July 4, Fort Lewis celebrates Independence Day with Freedom Fest. Festivities begin at 10 a.m., and end with a 3D fireworks display at dusk. The day will be filled with live entertainment, music and carnival rides. There will be a special guest appearance by The Coasters and many other great performers. Bring the whole family and enjoy lots of fun, food and laughter. As a courtesy to other event attendees, please leave pets at home. For more information, call 967-4294.

Ice Cream Social

Enjoy this free event from 4 to 6 p.m. when the Puyallup Community Band will perform on the lawn of Meeker Mansion. The snack bar will sell ice cream sundaes, shortcake and cheesecake, all topped with strawberries from local farms, hot dogs and soft drinks. A hat will be passed for the band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Come and enjoy an old fashioned concert in the park. The Meeker Mansion is located at 312 Spring St., Puyallup. For more information, visit www.meekermansion.org or call 848-1770.

Steilacoom’s Grand Old Fourth of July

Lafayette Street becomes the center of the annual, old-fashioned, hometown Independence Day Parade and Street Fair sponsored by the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce. Kiosks of craft items and patriotic displays line the street while music can be heard from the bandstand in front of the post office. There is a street dance in the evening. Around 10:30 p.m., one of the best pyrotechnic displays in the area takes place over Puget Sound. The event will be at Lafayette and Main Streets, Steilacoom. For more information, visit www.townofs teilacoom.com or call 584-4177.

Tacoma Freedom Fair

Tacoma Freedom Fair events will cover two miles of the Ruston Way waterfront on the 4th of July. Starting at 10 a.m., the schedule includes seven live entertainment performance areas featuring a wide variety of music. Those attending will find games, children’s entertainment and an open-air market with arts, crafts and two food courts. Highlighting the day will be performances by military and civilian aircraft during the Tacoma Air Show starting at 1:30 p.m. and the spectacular Grand Finale Fireworks Extravaganza starting at 10:10 p.m. For more information, visit www.freedomfair.com.

Tall Ships Tacoma

Thirty-two ships will visit the Foss Waterway in Tacoma from July 3 to 7. Experience the charm and romance of the ships along with the fun and excitement of the land-side festival. Three themed villages will have music, food, merchandise and activities for all ages, as well as ships to view from the shore. Boarding passes are available for purchase which allow patrons to tour the ships. The event hours are July 3 noon to 8 p.m., July 4, 5, 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and July 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.tallship stacoma.com.

July 4th Parade, Pancake Breakfast & Festival in the Park

Pancake breakfast, parade and festival includes arts, crafts, games and prizes at Clocktower Park, DuPont. Decorate your car and participate in the annual celebration. All ages are welcome. This year’s theme is The Olympics and events will be sport and family related. The day starts with a Dynamite Dash and Pancake Breakfast. The Parade starts at 11 a.m. and the festivities continue in the park until 3 p.m. For more information, call 964-1289 or visit www.ci.dupont.wa.us.

Annual 3rd of July fireworks

Fireworks will begin between 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. at South Sound Center, Lacey. Vendors and entertainment will be available before the fireworks begin. South Sound Center is located at Sleater-Kinney Road SE and Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey. For more information, call (360) 459-8747.

Tumwater Annual Independence Day Celebration

The City of Tumwater invites the community to a parade and fireworks show July 4. The parade begins at 11 a.m. The biggest fireworks festival in the county at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course will feature the Artesian Family Festival and Thunder Valley Fireworks Show at the golf course driving range. Music, food, games will be available starting at 6 p.m. The fireworks show starts at 10:15 p.m. and will be accompanied by music on site. For more information, visit www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/Parks.htm.