If you are tired of doing July 3rd in Poulsbo - here's an alternative for next year:

Catch the Rock The Dock celebration in Anacortes 

Their July 4th celebration includes all kinds of things (Joyce and I took advantage of it as a kick off point to the San Juans).  They have a parade through downtown (1 1/2 hours long!) featuring fire trucks, old cars, the Twisted Pixies (look it up), and lots of people throwing candy to the kids.  

At the waterfront park just a short walk from Cap Sante, you can listen to music in the afternoon before the fireworks are launched from the barge just off-shore.  If you are lucky enough to snag a guest spot on the C dock, you can hear the music and see the fireworks without ever leaving your boat.  And if you really want a close up view, you can dingy over to the breakwater to watch from there.

Note that this is a popular event with yacht clubs, so if you are considering it for next year, you might have to make a dock reservation in Feb/March.

Here’s a general write up:

http://www.storiesfrontporch.com/short-stories/10-highlights-of-the-anacortes-wa-4th-of-july-parade

If you are tired of doing July 3rd in Poulsbo, here's an alternative for next year:  The Rock the Dock celebration in Anacortes

Their July 4th celebration includes all kinds of fun things (and can be used as a starting point for a trip to the San Juans).  They have a parade through downtown (1 1/2 hours long!!) featuring fire trucks, old cars, the Twisted Pixies (look them up), and lots of people throwing candy to the kids.

At the waterfront park just a short walk from Cap Sante, you can listen to music in the afternoon before the fireworks are launched from the barge just offshore.  If you are lucky enough to snag a guest spot on the C dock, you can hear the music and see the fireworks without ever leaving your boat.  And if you want a really close up view, you can dinghy over to the breakwater to watch from there.

Here's a general write up: