What to know for Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will bring Independence Day celebrations into full swing on July 4 in downtown Blaine. There will be something for everyone at the all-day event that’s expected to draw thousands of attendees.

Here’s a breakdown of the day’s activities:

• Pancake breakfast: A pancake breakfast will provide fuel for the day’s festivities through pancakes, eggs, sausage and refreshments 8-11 a.m. at the Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Plates cost a suggested donation of $10 per adult or $5 per child.

• Book sale: Friends of Blaine Library will sell an assortment of books, DVDs and CDs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the library, 610 3rd Street.

• Street fair: Over 120 vendors are expected to participate in the street fair, selling everything from home goods to woodwork, from 11 a.m. until the evening on H and 3rd streets. There will also be food vendors serving hot dogs, ice cream and other festival fare.

• Car show: The “Red, White and Vroom” car show will have dozens, if not hundreds, of classic cars, from pre-war luxury gems to restored muscle cars near Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street. Judging begins at 11 a.m. and winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

• Beer garden and live music: Border Town Pizza will open a beer garden from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot next to the restaurant, 738 Peace Portal Drive. There will be live music 1-5 p.m.

• Parade: The old-fashioned Fourth of July parade will start at noon at Boblett Street and Peace Portal Drive. The parade will travel north along Peace Portal Drive and end at 1 p.m. at F Street.

• Kid activities: A kid zone will have a DJ, dunk tank and lawn games 1-5 p.m. at the intersection of H and 4th streets.

• Fireworks: To round out the day, fireworks will be lit at 10:30 p.m. above Blaine Marine Park.

Festival organizers at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, the lead organizer this year, encourage people to plan ahead for parking. Additional safety measures will be in place that will block off traffic to the majority of downtown. Concrete barriers will be placed at Boblett Street on Peace Portal Drive, near the roundabout on Peace Portal Drive and before the bridge on H Street. Most of the Blaine Police Department will also be on duty July 4.