Gene Coulon Park Opens At 7am, July 4th; When Will You Start Celebrating Independence Day?

Celebrating our nation's independence is serious business and it can require a lot of coordination, planning and prepwork.

Getting the perfect party spot is another challenge, and with  this Fourth of July, timing is key.

But there are limitations. The park is closed overnight and will not be open for Fourth of July revelry until 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

So, what time do you plan to arrive for set up (not to mention getting a parking space within reasonable walking vicinity)?

On a personal note, I grew up in a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area called Danville. The Fourth of July parade has always been the big event of the year, and each year I remember my parents rising earlier and earlier to place chairs along the parade route so we'd have a nice shaded spot come parade time.

That tradition has morphed into a bit of a meele, so it was no surprise to me when I came across an article on Danville Patch about the tradition of reserving a viewing spot the night before the parade.

I'm serious.

Now, Renton doesn't have a parade, but we do have the "Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration," which officially kicks off at 10 a.m. (did I mention the Danville Parade starts at 9 a.m. July 4, but parade go-ers may not place chairs out before 6 p.m. July 3?)

When and where will you start setting up—early the say of, the night before, or will you start as soon as the help arrives, say just in time for the afternoon barbecue?