As the Poulsbo Police Department finalizes it’s plans for the downtown fireworks spectacle, the department would like to provide the community with the following information regarding traffic and parking on July 3.

Although the fireworks show does not start until just after 10 p.m., there are a number of events throughout the day that will impact traffic and parking throughout the downtown area.

Vendor and display booths open at 11 a.m. with entertainment at the pavilion set to begin at 3 p.m. on Anderson Parkway. This will have a significant impact on downtown parking.

“We are encouraging those who are planning on staying through the end of the fireworks show to ride share, use public transportation, or park outside of the downtown area and walk to Waterfront Park,” said Poulsbo Police Chief Dan Schoonmaker.

The North Kitsap School District has not confirmed whether or not parking will be available at North Kitsap High School or Poulsbo Middle School.

Gateway Fellowship, on 8th Avenue and Hostmark Street, provide public parking for a donation. As well as First Lutheran Church on 4th Avenue, which also provides parking for $5, with all proceeds going to the local Boy Scout troop.

“Once the fireworks have ended, please be patient,” Schoonmaker urged.

On average, all roads in the downtown area, and on Viking Avenue, Hostmark Street, Lincoln Road, SR 305 and SR 3, take about an hour and a half to clear.

“We will have officers monitoring traffic at many of the major intersections along these roads, but please realize this process takes time to ensure everyone gets home safely,” Schoonmaker said.

Those that choose to view the fireworks by boat, are urged to arrive at Liberty Bay early and to make sure they are not anchoring in the restricted area around the fireworks platform. This area is marked by buoys on all sides.

There will also be patrol boats from Poulsbo Police Department, Poulsbo Fire Department, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Bainbridge Island Police Department, and the Port Orchard Police Department to assist.

“As a police department, our goal is to provide all members of the community and visitors to the city of Poulsbo a safe and happy 3rd of July celebration,” Schoonmaker said.

For questions, contact the Poulsbo Police Department at 360-779-3113.