The Bellingham Business Journal

Despite cancellations of fireworks shows in many communities, the expanded Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration will return to Bellingham’s Zuanich Point Park this year.

Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, in partnership with the Port of Bellingham and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will continue to be the title sponsor of this year’s festivities on Sunday, July 4. Haggen has been the primary sponsor of the Bellingham fireworks display, one of the largest in the state, since 1995.

Live music, children’s activities and vendor booths offering food, crafts and more – all introduced for the first time last year – will be presented at Zuanich Point Park during the hours leading up to the fireworks show. All activities will be free, but vendors will charge for their wares. Last year’s Fourth of July festivities drew 10,000 people to Zuanich Point Park, the Port of Bellingham estimated, and many more watched the fireworks show from other locations along Bellingham Bay.

“We want to expand on the success of last year’s festivities and are pleased to once again provide free music and entertainment to families this Independence Day,” said Jim Jorgensen, Port commission president. “We encourage everyone to once again spend the day enjoying their waterfront.”

Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for Haggen, said the company is pleased to be supporting this celebration that so many families can enjoy for free.

“We’re grateful to the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber and Port of Bellingham for their organizational and logistical support and hope that other businesses can participate in making this Fourth of July another memorable day for northwest Washington families,” Skaggs said.

Businesses interested in sponsorship and vendor opportunities may contact Sheila Connors of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber at (360) 734-1330. Singers, musicians and bands interested in performing may contact Marie Duckworth with the Port of Bellingham at (360) 676-2500.