Lewis County is more than just a picturesque byway. Perfectly located between Portland and Seattle, it is home to thriving small businesses, bustling towns, and some of the tastiest-named festivals in the state.
When it was created in 1845, Lewis County contained half of Washington and British Columbia, according to the official profile. Today it ranks as the sixth biggest but only 22nd most populated county.
Built on a history of railroads, logging, and milling, today the area is a jewel of small town Americana. Let’s face it, there’s nothing wrong with spending summer nibbling from Winlock’s Egg Days to Toledo’s Cheese Days before hitting the Blueberry Festival in Mossyrock and finishing with the Chehalis Garlic Fest. But keep the July 4 weekend free for Independence Day festivities county-wide.
If your calendar is full but you can’t go without a fireworks show, visit the 4th of July show hosted by Lewis County’s Fire District #3: Mossyrock Fire and EMS. Their display takes place at dusk at 137 East Main Street in downtown Mossyrock. The station is also hosting a fireworks stand from June 28 to July 4.
On July 1-4, the Randle Firefighters Association is holding a flea market behind the fire station at 9978 US Highway 12. On Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3 there will be a delicious firefighter’s breakfast with biscuits and gravy or all you can eat pancakes from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. Their fireworks show will be at dusk (approximately 10:00 p.m.) on Sunday, July 3.
Looking for an all-day, all-ages extravaganza? Look no further than Summerfest, hosted by the City of Centralia. Beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. until fireworks at 10:30 p.m., Summerfest has something for everyone at three venues across town.
For a full schedule of activities, costs, and locations, or to participate in the Windermere Centralia Summerfest 4th of July Parade in downtown Centralia, visit the Summerfest website. There you’ll find details on tours, hayrides, a 5K fundraiser, and the Destruction Derby at the SW Washington Fairgrounds.
If you’ll host visiting friends and family over the long Fourth of July weekend, turn their stay into a relaxing stay-cation. Lewis County has lodging for every taste and budget, food options galore, and activities by type, region, and season.
Traveling but don’t want to miss out on the fireworks? The Washington State Patrol’s Fire Protection Bureau offers a state-wide list of show information across the state, organized by county and city. There you’ll find festive displays from Aberdeen to Zillah, as well as contact info for event specifics.
Lewis County is a lovely microcosm of America. Use the 3-day weekend to explore, celebrate, sample, indulge, and wander all it has to offer. You definitely won’t regret it.
