It isn’t right that Island County’s fire marshal can impose restrictions on — even ban — recreational fires and outdoor burning but doesn’t have the power to impose similar restrictions on personal fireworks discharge, even during a record dry season.

Because officials are limited on what they can and cannot do to ensure public safety, it’s up to the public to be extra vigilant as we roll into the Fourth of July weekend.

Attend and enjoy the annual Oak Harbor fireworks show starting at 10 p.m. Saturday. Professionals will be lighting display over Oak Harbor bay.

Event organizers say this year’s display will be the biggest in Oak Harbor history. The show is estimated to last approximately 22 minutes.

In the hours leading up to this fireworks spectacular, enjoy traditional family entertainment and activities.

Oak Harbor’s parade begins 11 a.m., and  Windjammer Park will be abuzz with activity from the all-day family carnival, vendor marketplace.

The carnival continues through Sunday.

Music will take place from noon to 10 p.m., as well as various community entertainment acts from 3-6 p.m.

For those opting to discharge fireworks, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following safety tips:

• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the local fire or police departments.

The best way to have a happy Fourth of July is to keep it safe and sane.