Independence Day 2010 hails the return of fireworks to Fort Vancouver, and the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival show promises to be better than ever. Here are the fireworks displays we could find in the Portland area:

Independence Day at Fort Vancouver

• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 612 E. Reserve St, Vancouver, WA (Mill Plain exit from I-5)
• July 4th, 2010, 10:05 pm
• The park opens at 8:00 am. Four stages will host entertainers.
• Once the largest display west of the Mississippi, the fireworks display at Fort Vancouver is back after missing 2009 for lack of funding. Fireworks will be launched from within the park, not from a barge in the Columbia River, so viewing is best inside the park.
• General Admission is $7 at the gate, $5 in advance. Prime Viewing Area Seating available for $50 ($25 if you’re under 21).

Waterfront Blues Festival

• Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland
• July 4th, 2010, 10:00 pm
• The 24th year of the Blues Festival runs Friday, July 2nd through Monday, July 5th. Check out this year’s incredible lineup.
• Admission: See web site for pass information. Fireworks can be seen from many viewpoints free of charge.

Oaks Park 4th of July Spectacular

• 7805 SE Oaks Way, Portland, OR 97202
• July 4th, 2010, 9:55 pm
• Gates open 10:00 am, rides start at noon. The park is open until midnight for rides and entertainment.
• All picnic spaces are first come first serve.
• Gate fees are $5 for 16 and over, $2 for 15 and younger, and $3 for seniors 62 and up.

Blue Lake Park – Fourth of July Fireworks at Blue Lake

• 20500 NE Marine Drive, Portland (Exit 14 from I-84)
• July 4th, 2010, 10:00 pm
• What: The park is opens at 8:00 am.  Live music begins at 3:30: The Stingrays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Aguamiel from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Linda Hornbuckle from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.
• Admission: $10 per vehicle, $15 for large vans

The kids think we put on a pretty good show in our own neighborhood, so we’ll probably miss the big shows. Tell us how they are.