Although WaMu has collapsed in subprime shame, JPMorgan Chase has stepped in to sponsor what’s now being called the Chase Family 4th. This year’s daylong festival is not only free, but features all the essentials for a Fourth of July party: hotdogs, hamburgers, beer garden, and inflatable slides. The latter will be enclosed in a special enclosed children’s playfield area, along with kite making and flying, and face painting activities. A “Street Scramble” scavenger around Fremont also promises family fun. Adults free of parental responsibilities can meander over to the food booths for a delicious elephant ear, or to the lakeside beer garden for a pint (noon to 9:30 p.m.). There will also be music from Sound Wave (the official band of the Seattle Sounders) and youngsters in the School of Rock: Northwest All-Stars. The hardest part of the day will be getting a good seat for the 10 p.m. fireworks show—either at Gas Works Park or anywhere else ringing Lake Union. Walking and biking are strongly encouraged, and Chase will provide an express bicycle parking corral in the park’s northwest corner. Arrive early, and you’re sure to have a patriotically good time. BRITT THORSON

Sat., July 4, 12-11 p.m., 2009