Tacoma Freedom Fair Log Boom & Boaters Info

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A Boater’s Paradise

Enjoy the show on the water from behind the log boom.

Planning on taking the boat out to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities? Do you want the best spot on Commencement Bay to view the Tacoma Freedom Fair Air Show and Fireworks Extravaganza? It is located just offshore from Ruston Way restaurants. Boaters will have the opportunity to stay overnight from July 3 to the morning of July 5. Because boaters can drop anchor in advance, this is a fantastic way to avoid the rush at public boat launches and marinas on the 4th of July.

Thanks to support provided by Manke Lumber, the Tacoma Freedom Fair will have a log boom available for boaters to use from the evening of July 3rd until the early morning of July 5th when the tug crew arrives to remove it. Pre-registration will not be offered in 2009, but space will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. A small donation will be collected from boaters on the log boom to help offset the expense of placing and maintaining the log boom. Space for boats less than 20 feet in length will be $30, and boats over 20’ will be $50.Security boats will come by to collect the small fee after boaters have finished securing their vessels on July 4th. Boaters are be reminded that this year we have military jet acts that have requested time between 10:30 and 11:30 for an air show practice – during that time no boats are allowed in the air box in addition to 1:30 to 3:30 during the main air show. Movement of vessels must be complete one half hour prior to the start of the practice and the air show, and remain still during the flight times.

Positioning your boat between the log boom and the shore offers the best place on the water to see the air show and fireworks, but also you can safely enjoy the Tacoma Freedom Fair from the comfort of your own boat. The log boom will extend from a point in front of the Lobster Shop Restaurant to a spot in front of the Silver Cloud Inn. Event organizers recommend boaters arrive early because there will be no movement permitted from 1:00 PM until after the air show.

Mariners are advised to stay out of the area between the log boom and points 3,500 feet off shore. That area must be kept closed and clear of all boat traffic during the air show and the fireworks. The U.S. Coast Guard requires boaters to stay at least 1,500 feet clear of the fireworks barge before and during the fireworks show. The barge will be in a new location this year in the center of the air box at the midpoint of the log boom, one half mile west of the previous Old Town Dock location. Find detailed maps of these areas in our Aerial Maps section.

Old Town Dock and the floats at the Silver Cloud Inn will also be closed all day on the Fourth of July. The best rule of thumb is to stay between the shoreline and the log boom. It is the safest and most convenient place to secure your boat and enjoy the ultimate Fourth of July experience without interfering with the presentation of the festival.

Check out the FAQ page which has a few items for boaters.

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