Seattle has two big fireworks shows tonight. One is the WaMu Family Fourth on Lake Union that’s been through about 500 sponsors since I’ve moved here. The other is the Fourth of Jul-Ivar’s over Elliot Bay, sponsored by the venerable Ivar’s restaurant chain.

The P-I today ran a profile of Ivar Haglund, restaurateur, self-promoting showman, and Francis J. Child of the sea shanty. Not to be missed are the audio files, including a 1950’s commerical for the Ivar’s at Broadway and Thomas (!) selling Mexican food (!!!). And if you’ve ever wondered why it’s Ivar’s “Acres of Clams,” it’s in the KJR show intro.

So, when you’re watching the Elliot Bay fireworks (which are better, anyway, since there’s nowhere to park or stand within three miles of Lake Union by 4pm, anyway), remember that clams gave you these fireworks. And it does fit with the day — our Founding Fathers ate oysters.