Edmonds Fourth of July parade and fireworks schedule set

This year’s Fourth of July extravaganza in Edmonds marks the 96th year the local Chamber of Commerce has organized the celebration for residents and visitors who annually flock downtown for fun with a patriotic flavor.

The Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the day-long festival dubbed “An Edmonds Kind of Fourth.” The event has become a regional attraction with its two parades, entertainment geared for the entire family and one of the most elaborate fireworks displays in the area.

All events are free and open to the public.

This year the event will cost approximately $33,000 to produce, according to Chamber figures. Sponsors largely depend on financial support from businesses and individuals.

Although the city does not underwrite Fourth of July festivities, the city council plans a June 21 vote on whether to kick in $2,000 of support from its contingency fund.

Those wishing to help pay for the celebration may send donations to The Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, Attn. Fourth of July Fund, P.O. Box 166, Edmonds, WA 98020

The day kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with the children’s parade. Youngsters are encouraged to participate by designing their own floats, decorating their bikes or walking the route in patriotic costumes.

This year pets will not be permitted in the children’s parade.

The main parade rolls out at noon. The grand marshal will be Dave Earling, former city-council president and longtime Edmonds resident and booster.

Awards will be presented for entries deemed the most patriotic, most original, funniest and best representative of the theme of “liberty and sacrifice in the spirit of 1776.”

Trophies also will be awarded by the Chamber for the best business or commercial entry and by the mayor for the one demonstrating overall excellence.

A community-service trophy will be bestowed on the best entry from a service or non-profit organization.

The Washington State Civil War Association Infantry will demonstrate the loading and firing of their weapons at 2 p.m. in City Park.

At 2:30 p.m., the Edmonds Fire Department’s annual water-ball competition will take place in the park.

From 1 to 4 p.m. visitors are invited to view the Edmonds Museum’s Independence Day exhibit, “Dressed in Honor.”

Entertainment picks up again at 7:30 p.m. in Civic Stadium with the music of the Lost Vuarnets.

Preceding the fireworks will be the singing of the national anthem by Edmonds’ Sam “Sammy V” Vijarro, a finalist in KONG-TV’s recent singing competition, “Gimme the Mike, Seattle!”

Fireworks will light up the sky beginning at about 10 p.m.

The Chamber requests the public not bring any barbecue equipment into the stadium because cooking by those other than licensed vendors is not allowed.

Spectators and participants are asked to not bring pets to any of the Fourth of July events.

For the fireworks program, people with disabilities may park in designated spaces at the Public Safety Complex across the street from the stadium. Vehicles must display a state-issued handicapped plate or placard to park in those areas.

For more information about “An Edmonds Kind of Fourth,” call 425-670-1496 or visit the Web site EdmondsWa.com/July 4th.

Enterprise writer Sue Waldburger contributed to this report.