Here’s where you can celebrate Independence Day this weekend

Two major fireworks shows over the water can be seen in Whatcom County on Monday, July 4, plus Blaine and Bellingham have big festivals during the day.

Lynden also is hosting a party to celebrate being named best Main Street in America, though it’s a daytime event so no fireworks.

If you plan your own fireworks show, make sure you know when and where you can legally set off fireworks as they are illegal in various places and outside certain times.

Here are the area’s biggest public events:

It’s a blast!

See traditional fireworks displays starting at 10 p.m. on the Blaine waterfront near Marine Park or 10:30 p.m. on the Bellingham waterfront near Zuanich Point Park. Both events culminate day-long festivities. Also watch a licensed pyrotechnical show at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road, Birch Bay (donations accepted but not required).

Haggen’s Fourth

Haggen Family Fourth of July Celebration starts at 10 a.m Monday, July 4, in Zuanich Point Park and Squalicum Boathouse and features free activities throughout the day; plus a 3-on-3 basketball tournament ($100 team entry); vendor booths; traditional games such as sack races, water balloon toss and watermelon roll; live music; a beer garden; and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Limited on-site parking. Free passenger shuttles run 1-11 p.m. between the park and Bellingham Technical College, 3028 Lindbergh Ave. Info: haggen.com.

Blaine parade

Blaine’s annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration includes a parade at noon Monday, July 4, on Peace Portal Drive, plus a street fair with more than 80 vendors, a car show, live entertainment, Plover foot ferry rides and food. It’s all downtown and at Marine Park, where fireworks start at 10 p.m. Info: blainechamber.com.

Lynden block party

Lynden will celebrate being named best Main Street in America with a giant check of its $25,000 prize, a proclamation by the mayor and a free party to thank residents and small businesses. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. July 4 in the 500 block of Front Street. Award and presentation is at noon, followed by music, dancing, food and children’s activities until 2 p.m.

The aftermath

Post-Fourth of July cleanups are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, on the beach at Birch Bay (trash bags provided); from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Semiahmoo Spit and Locust Beach in Bellingham (light refreshments and cleanup materials provided); from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Lake Padden (trash bags provided); and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the end of Gulf Road near Cherry Point (cleanup materials provided). Info: 360-371-5004, 360-778-7105, nwsurfrider.org, 360-902-1073.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Here’s where you can celebrate Independence Day this weekend."