First Ever Virtual “Celebrate Kirkland” 4th of July Event
Published on June 26, 2020
KIRKLAND, Wash. –For over 20 years, “Celebrate Kirkland” has brought the community together on the 4th of July with a vibrant parade, community picnic, and an epic firework display over Marina Park. While this year might look a little different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings, the essence of Celebrate Kirkland remains the same:
It’s a celebration by the community, for the community.
Please join the City, the Celebrate Kirkland Leadership Team, and the Kirkland Downtown Association for the first ever virtual Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July event! This custom, star-spangled Independence Day extravaganza kicks off at noon on Saturday, July 4 on the City Facebook page, the Kirkland Television YouTube channel, the Kirkland Granicus Stream, Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31, so choose your favorite viewing platform and prepare for an uplifting video experience starring the best Kirkland has to offer.
Commentary is provided by Mayor and Celebrate Kirkland founder Penny Sweet, and longtime community advocate, Cow and Coyote decorator and avid Sea Hawker, Terri Fletcher. Both are Celebrate Kirkland veterans, serving on the leadership team since 1999 and 2001, respectively.
“Celebrate Kirkland has always been about bringing the community together, which seems more vital now than ever. The Kirkland community has navigated the intense challenges of the past four months with grace, dignity and a selfless sense of service. I am so proud to be a part of this community,” said Mayor Penny Sweet. “Once known as the epicenter of COVID-19 we are now an epicenter of hope and resilience. I’m grateful and excited that we have found a way to safely come together to Celebrate Kirkland this 4th of July.”
You never know who or what you might see as past years of Celebrate Kirkland parade festivities are showcased in a dynamic, action-packed video premier highlighting the heart and soul of Celebrate Kirkland. This patriotic feature lets freedom ring as it honors our veterans and shines a spotlight on the City’s neighborhood associations, arts commissioners, elected officials, service organizations, classic car and hot rod enthusiasts, business leaders, and most of all, our amazing community members.
It's three years of parade fun neatly melded into a single compilation meant to embody the spirit of the holiday in all its red, white and blue glory.
And because no 4th of July is complete without a spectacular display of fireworks, stay on the City Facebook page after the parade for the 2020 virtual fireworks show! The online display features dazzling pyrotechnics from years past to help brighten your screens and bring the 4th of July holiday to life.
Please remember, as guided by Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 11.60, the sale, possession and discharge of personal fireworks are prohibited in Kirkland city limits. Kirkland’s fireworks ban went into effect in 1999 to help eliminate property damage, injury, and fires, and to protect the natural beauty of our region. In general, public fireworks displays are allowed when properly permitted by the Kirkland Fire Department, but this year’s traditional 4th of July display is cancelled for the health and safety of our community. Call the Kirkland Fire Prevention Bureau at (425) 587-3650 for more information.