Video: Beat the traffic to the WaMu Family 4th

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SEATTLE – The WaMu Family Fourth of July celebration returns to Lake Union's Gas Works Park Friday.

The annual event is already underway with kids' activities, food vendors and a beer garden. It culminates at 10 p.m. with a fireworks show on Lake Union.

Admission is free.

The fireworks show has been named one of the "Top Five Fireworks Displays" in the country by "Time Magazine." Jazz singer Francine Reed will sing the National Anthem and the Seattle Seahawks' drumline, "Blue Thunder," will provide entertainment.

The fireworks show is synchronized to an original score amplified through the park. It will be simulcast on local radio stations, including 106.1 KISS FM, 96.5 JACK FM, and KZOK 102.5 FM.

Getting down to Lake Union could be as adventurous as the fireworks are exciting.

"It can take you an hour or more just to get a mile away," said visitor Sean Lane.

Organizers encourage visitors to ride their bikes. A bike barn of sorts has been set up near Gas Works Park.

"Last year parked a car it took about an hour to get to the street," said Adam Wallace, who decided to take advantage of the bike barn.

You can also set up on the lake's south end to get a view.

The new Lake Union Park could be a good spot to catch the show and then get out of the area in a hurry.

The Seattle Streetcar will be running to and from downtown until 1 a.m., but even it will have to deal with the expected traffic crush after the fireworks.

KING 5 TV, one of the event's sponsors, will broadcast the fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m.

You can also watch the show live on KING5.com, NWCN and NWCN.com