Fireworks in Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila. Community parades in Burien and Normandy Park. Twenty-seven American flags at Tukwila's Museum of Flight.

No need to fill up the old gas-guzzler's tank to go searching for family-friendly Fourth of July fun. There will be an explosion of Highline holiday happenings on Sunday, July 4.

Burien

Just what is it about a parade that is so magical? Patriotic music fills the air as colorful floats drift idyllically down the street.

Esteemed veterans proudly salute the American flag, beauty queens and elected officials wave merrily from their convertibles, and youngsters squeal in delight as they clamor for the free candy. All around, happiness is contagious.

And in Burien, community pride shines! The City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce are excited to present the 89th Annual Burien Independence Day Parade, on July 4.

It starts at 3 p.m. and goes for approximately two hours, putting it at a convenient time before all the barbecuing and fireworks begin.

This year, parade spectators will rub shoulders with the Seafair Pirates, the scurviest pack of rogues to ever stain the seven seas! Make sure you plug your ears when their cannons go off.

An award-winning marching band from Minnesota, the Patriots Marching Band, has performed all over the country. The Patriots' parade performance involves precision-style marching and a medley of Americana music, including "Amazing Grace," "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and Aaron Copeland's "Appalachian Spring."

Our own star group of young performers, the Hi-Liners, will perform excerpts from their upcoming production of "Les Miserables."

Burien's own belly dancers from the Abyssinian Dance Center will shimmy and shake as award-winning drill teams step and pulse to the beat.

Ronald McDonald brings a smile to everyone's face. The Keystone Kops, celebrating their 30-year anniversary, will be chasing down any rascals or hooligans.

Burien Deputy Mayor Rose Clark notes, "Since my childhood, I have loved Fourth of July parades. Flags waving, bands playing and people just having fun together. It doesn't get better than that.

"We've been doing that in Burien for over 80 years. It is fun to work on, fun to oversee and fun to present right here in Burien. I hope to see people standing shoulder to shoulder just enjoying the day."

The parade begins at Ambaum Boulevard Southwest and Southwest 149th Street. The route will head south on Ambaum, east on Southwest 153rd Street, north on 2nd Avenue Southwest, then west on Southwest 152nd Street.

Seahurst Dental Design/Jim Coleman, DDS, and Puget Sound Energy are sponsors. Partners are the City of Burien and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce.

For questions about the parade, contact the Chamber at 206-575-1633 or email staff@swkcc.org.

Des Moines

Powell Homes is sponsoring "Fireworks Over Des Moines" at the Des Moines Marina, 22307 Dock Avenue.

Parking is available in the south marina lot. The north lot is for pedestrians only.

Personal fireworks, pets or alcohol are not allowed at the marina.

The fireworks get underway at 10:15 p.m.

Normandy Park

Normandy Park residents will enjoy a full day of community events.

2.8 K Fun Run, beginning at 10:25 a.m. Course: Marvista Elementary to Marine View Drive and Shoremont. It's free, but pre-registration is recommended at www.npcove.org.

This year's custom designed race t-shirt can be ordered in advance by all runners for pick it up at the finish line. Non-runners may purchase any left over shirts at the end of the race. They are $15 each.

Children's Parade, 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join in, either from the start (be at Marvista no later than 10:15) or from anywhere along the parade route, which ends at the Cove building. Classic cars, floats, wagons, bicycles, strollers, horses, marching bands are encouraged to participate. No campaigning or political signs allowed.

Bike Decorating Contest, Paint your face, decorate your bike, get out your flags; be festive or plain. Children who participate in the annual parade through town are encouraged to decorate their bikes in the holiday spirit.

At the end of the parade, park your bike in the designated area near the tennis courts at the Cove for judging. The Normandy Park Arts Commission will once again give children prizes for the "Best Patriotic Decorations."

SeaTac

The City of SeaTac is co-sponsoring a fireworks display on Angle Lake at 10 p.m.

Angle Lake Park, located at 19408 International Blvd., will remain open until 11 p.m. for public viewing of the show. Extra parking is available.

Tukwila

Tukwila will feature Family 4th at Fort Dent Park." Activities run from 2- 11 p.m. at the park, 14800 Starfire Way. The park opens at 10 a.m.

Kid's activities begin at 2 p.m. and include inflatable bouncers, slides, a climbing wall, and back by popular demand - a tent full of activities just for preschoolers. There will also be roving clowns, face painters and stilt walkers.

Featured entertainment includes kid favorite Recess Monkey, Latin band MangoSon and the Dennis Mitchell Band with three former Kingsmen of "Louie Louie" fame.

Bring your picnic with you (BBQs are allowed in designated areas) or purchase food from one of the food vendors.

The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m. sharp.

Parking is limited so a courtesy shuttle from Foster Golf Course, the Tukwila Pool, and the Tukwila Community Center will also be available, beginning at 7 p.m. with the last pick-up set for 9:30 p.m.

For more information, call 206-768-2822.

Tukwila Museum of Flight

Join members of Skyway Post 9430 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on our nation's 233rd birthday for a salute to the American flag-all 27 versions that have officially represented the United States over the years.

From the first 13-star flag authorized by Congress in 1777 to today's 50-star flag, the presentation of each flag will be accompanied with the story of its symbolism in this moving and educational program for all ages.

The event is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. The museum is located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Tukwila. Paid admission to the museum is required.