Red, White and Boom gets a head start on Independence Day

MOSES LAKE — In some ways, Moses Lake is ahead of the curve. Independence Day celebrations are one of those. 

Like last year, Moses Lake’s Red, White and Boom celebration will be held July 3. For several years before that, Independence Day festivities were held on the Saturday before July 4. The reason isn’t just because we love to be first out of the gate, said Moses Lake Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Doug Coutts. 

“The fireworks company cannot come out for us on the Fourth of July,” Coutts said. “There’s only one that I’ve been able to find that provides the insurance and such that we need is at bigger cities doing larger events that pay more money.”

Holding the Independence Day festivities a little early makes for a more laid-back, after-work vibe, Coutts said. Besides the fireworks, there will be food vendors and two free concerts. 

The concerts are part of the Moses Lake Creative District’s Summer Concert Series, and will showcase two well-established local bands: alt-rockers Dimestore Prophets and the traditional rhythm and blues band Lake City Blues.  

“They’re really fun,” said Creative Programs Director Jenni Shelton, who arranges the summer concerts. “They’re upbeat and really, really entertaining.” 

Going with local bands for the summer concert series rather than bringing in expensive big-name performers is a better use of the city’s money and gives locals a boost, Coutts said.   

“We like to have the local guys,” he said. “(We’re) supporting the local groups that are out there that can play music. I think it's a great use of their talents, a great highlight for them and highlight for us to have them there … we've got a lot of great local talent here and as we continue down this road, I think we're going to get more and more groups showing up and wanting to be a part of this. So, I'm excited for it.” 

Red, White and Boom 

Moses Lake 

McCosh Park 

July 3 

Dimestore Prophets 6:30 p.m. 

Lake City Blues 8:30 p.m. 

Fireworks show 10 p.m. 

    Attendees get ready to hear a concert at last year’s Red, White and Boom celebration.
  

    Local rockers Dimestore Prophets will perform at Red, White and Boom Thursday.
  

    Longtime Moses Lake musicians Lake City Blues will play free Thursday at Red, White and Boom.
  

    Vendors offer something chilly to beat the heat at last year’s Red, White and Boom in Moses Lake.