Fireworks watchers got a colorful vantage point from Alki Beach near 55th Street SW Friday night. Looking toward the northeast horizon the "4th of Jul-Ivars Fireworks Show" over Elliott Bay was big, boastful and traditional. From the same spot on the Alki sand ooh'ers and ah'ers also enjoyed the more geometric display of the "WaMu Family 4th" Fireworks Show" on Lake Union, which appeared to the right.

"Lake Union's show rocked," enthused Courtney Tomson. "I loved the heart shapes and smiley faces," she said.

"And the cubes, too," added her husband, Scott, who serves in the Air Force.

"Yeah, Lake Union's is different each year," said Jason Neiman, who has served two years in the Coast Guard.

"I liked the big bubble gum machine," chimed in Heather Neiman. "No. Really-That's what it looked like."

The two couples were visiting from Saint Clair, Michigan.

"The fireworks were awesome," said 12 year-old Calvin Gunther of Gig Harbor, who enjoyed dinner with his family at an Italian restaurant on Alki Avenue before watching the light show. "This is my first time here."

"We'll be back next year," added Allan, his father.