We’re a week away from one of the grandest days in the year – the Fourth of July. The day offers a variety of exciting community activities in both Bellevue and Newcastle. It also presents an unnecessary danger to the community in the form of illegal fireworks.

All of the cities in the Reporter’s circulation area flat out the use of fireworks. And, for good reason.

The sad truth is that as exciting as it is to see and hear them explode, each year scores or more people nationally will be hurt, disfigured or killed by our fixation with fireworks. There’s no reason to put ourselves of those we love at risk, given the wide variety of July Fourth community events that provide excitement that is both safe and sane.

Around here, Bellevue has the Eastside’s largest celebration, starting off with a fun dog walk at 9 a.m. at Ashwood Park near the Bellevue Regional Library and then shifting to a full day of fun at the Downtown park from 2 p.m. and a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m.

From 2-10 p.m. the park will be filled with a family fun zone, ongoing music from several groups at the main stage, a presentation of the Colors by the Bellevue Fire Department Honor Guard, the National Anthem sung by the Bellevue High School choir and a special Independence Day performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra leading into the fireworks show itself with the youth symphony playing music to match the display.

To the south, Newcastel has its own community event, again topped by fireworks at night over Lake Boren Park. But before that, you’ll find food, fun and music starting at 6 p.m.

All together, the two cities provide not only safe and sane events, but also those that are fun for everyone.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter