May 4 is an important date in Washington state history. Here are five interesting facts about this date:

1. In 1886, the Seattle Opera House opened its doors on May 4. This theater was the largest in the Pacific Northwest and hosted many famous performers, including Harry Houdini.

2. The World's Fair was held in Seattle on May 4, 1962. This event was a huge success, bringing millions of visitors to Seattle and helping to put the city on the map as a major tourist destination.

3. May 4, 1970, was also a significant day in Washington history. On this day, four students were killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State University in Ohio during a protest against the Vietnam War. This event sparked protests in Washington and around the country.

4. In 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens occurred on May 18, but the series of earthquakes that preceded the eruption began on May 4. These earthquakes were a warning sign of the impending disaster and allowed authorities to evacuate the area in time to save many lives.

5. The Seattle Mariners retired the number 24 on May 4, 2017, in honor of Ichiro Suzuki, who played for the team for many years and was one of the greatest players in Mariners history. May 4 was chosen for this ceremony because it was the day when Ichiro made his Major League debut with the Mariners in 2001.