Independence Day at Fort Vancouver Promises Biggest Fireworks Show Ever Launched from Pearson Field

Tickets are now available for Independence Day at Fort Vancouver presented by Bank of America, on Saturday, July 4 at the Fort Vancouver National Site. It is a full day of family fun with live music, games and entertainment, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. The event is produced by the nonprofit, Fort Vancouver National Trust.

Fort Vancouver has over a 50-year history of providing one of the region’s most memorable fireworks displays. This year, the fireworks will be even bigger and better, with an increase in shell size of 25 percent. The larger fireworks will launch to 500 feet high, cover a radius of 500 feet wide, and will feature special effects never before seen at the Fort Vancouver fireworks show. The 2015 display will once again be staged from Pearson Air Field, and synchronized to music. Fireworks may not be visible from Portland or the Columbia River.

“Independence Day at Fort Vancouver is a beloved event that our community has enjoyed for more than 50 years,” said Craig Christenson, Bank of America SVP and small business banking manager in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “I’m proud that Bank of America recognizes this as an important economic engine and local tradition, and this is just one of many investments we’re making toward strengthening our communities. I grew up watching the fireworks here, and I’m excited that this year’s show will be bigger than ever before!”

Featuring live music, games, entertainment, food and more, this event has something fun for everyone. It all begins Saturday, July 4, with gates opening at 8 a.m. Entertainment kicks off at Noon, the Kids’ Patriotic Parade presented by Fred Meyer begins at 4 p.m. and the spectacular fireworks show launches at 10:05 p.m. The Vancouver Toyota Main Stage features a wide variety of local and regionally recognized entertainers, including Patrick Lamb, Portland Taiko, and The Nu Wavers.General admission is $5 in advance and $7 at the gate for those 13 and over. Kids 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at fortvan.org/fourth. Presale general admission tickets will also be available starting June 1 at any Southwest Washington Fred Meyer.

With Prime Viewing tickets, attendees will have access to the exclusive Prime Viewing area, where they will enjoy a 4th of July picnic dinner, the exclusive Alaska Airlines stage, featuring Soul Vaccination, and unobstructed front row seats to the spectacular fireworks show. Prime Viewing tickets are $50 for guests 21 and over, $25 for those under 21, and free for 5 and under.

Other available activities include:
* Guided walking tours of the Vancouver Barracks
* $3.00 admission to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver (free for age 15 and under)
* Bi-plane rides at Pearson Airport (fee)
* Adult beverage pavilion featuring domestic beer and microbrews, wine and more

Getting to the event is convenient with help from C-Tran. Hop on one of C-Tran’s shuttles running every 15 minutes from the north side of Westfield Vancouver Mall to the fireworks display from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Return service will be available immediately following the fireworks show. Paid parking lots will be available to the east and west of Fort Vancouver and all downtown metered parking is free for the holiday. Bicyclists are encouraged to bike to the event and leave their bikes at volunteer-staffed bike parking.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of cash sponsors. The Fort Vancouver National Trust thanks presenting sponsor Bank of America, as well as Toyota, Les Schwab, Fred Meyer, Alaska Airlines, Davidson & Associates Insurance representing Pemco Insurance, AMR, Homewood Suites, and media partners, Alpha Broadcasting and The Columbian.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to volunteer visit www.fortvan.org/fourth, email events@fortvan.org or call 360-992-1808.

Contributed by Fort Vancouver National Trust.