An estimated crowd of at least 4,000 people flocked to Edmonds’ downtown business core Tuesday, July 4, to cheer on entrants in the Fourth of July parade sponsored by the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.
Warm temperatures and sunny skies lured what Chamber Executive Director Jan Vance figured to be a record crowd at the centerpiece of the annual Independence Day celebration.
She estimated 8,000 people or more attended the day-long celebration that kicked off with the children’s parade and ended with a “best-ever” fireworks display that lit up the evening sky.
Vance said about $35,000 in donations — mainly from corporate and merchant sponsors — covered the costs of the annual blow-out. “Wonderful weather, things went smoothly, fireworks were spectacular. We’re sure the community enjoyed it, that’s why we did it,” observed Vance, for whom the event was her first as head of the local chamber.
Pick-up trucks and mini vans began unloading lawn chairs at prime vantage points along the parade route early in the evening of July 3. Theft or vandalism of chairs left overnight isn’t a big problem in Edmonds, according to the Edmonds Police Department, although Police Chief David Stern said he “doesn’t recommend” leaving possessions street side overnight because “there’s no way I can guarantee their safety.”
Despite the delivery of additional trash cans, the crowd left a “huge mess” in its wake after the parade, according to Rich Lindsay, parks maintenance manager. His crews brought in industrial blowers to remove trash from the sidewalks in anticipation of the street sweeper coming through the next morning.
Helping with the post-parade sweep-up are downtown merchants who are “a big help,” Lindsay added.
Here’s a list of the award-winning parade entries:
• Most Patriotic: Edmonds Historical Museum
• Spirit of 76: Lynnwood Elks Lodge &Emblem Club
• Most Original: Hydrokar, Friends of Kevin Grasdahl
• Funniest: Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands Donor Closet Scooter Drill Team
• Mayor’s Trophy: Lynnwood Elks Lodge &Emblem Club
• Best Decorated: Edmonds Presbyterian Church
• Chamber Trophy: Mary’s Towing
• Community Service: Richard and Andra Lawrence
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