Most Wallingfordians live within walking distance of the July 4th events at Gas Works Park, and we count ourselves lucky not to get stuck in those traffic jams out of the neighborhood around 11 p.m. We’ll pass along this information, though, for our readers who might be tempted to drive and park near Gas Works on Sunday.

In anticipation of the large crowds that will descend on lower Wallingford this July 4th, the Seattle Police Department will close off streets near the Gas Works beginning at noon. Only residents and “others with legitimate business in the community” will be able to drive through.

The SPD also closed roads in the area last year, the same summer that saw a kerfuffle about Porta Potties. Event producer One Reel encourages biking or taking the bus to the Family 4th and the fireworks, but adds this caveat about the bus: “If you plan to take the bus to the park, please prepare an alternate method of return transportation; the available buses after the fireworks will not be able to accommodate all guests.”

For much more information about Sunday’s events, see the Family 4th site.