An Edmonds Kind of Fourth
It all started in 1907 when one of the first businesses in Edmonds wanted to mark the Fourth of July holiday with a citywide party. After the success of this first get together, the business leaders decided that Edmonds was ready for a city organization and founded the Chamber of Commerce. How lucky we are that the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is still planning these celebrations and much more.
The festivities for this year’s celebration kick off on July 4 at 9am with a 5K fun run and walk through historic downtown Edmonds. Participants can pre-register online at edmondswa.com and follow the event’s link. The deadline to register online is June 30, but you can still register the day of the race at 7:30am in City Park. The starting line is in City Park, and a map of the route is available at registration.
After the race is the Children’s Parade at 11:30am. Our local children's groups and clubs will travel down 6th street and around the fountain on Main. From petite ballerinas, to gymnasts and karate kickers, the kids will be walking, riding or dancing their way down the parade route.
At noon, the decorated floats and vintage convertibles will begin their procession down the same route. Some will be carrying our city leaders and others portraying their social or cultural organizations and clubs. And of course, at some point you will hear the school marching bands long before you see them. If you need to pause and catch your breath, there are food vendors at the fountain offering snow cones and hot dogs.
After the the parade winds down, walk over to City Park at 3rd and Pine. There will be fire trucks from our neighboring communities lined up along the street. Here, they will get out their big hoses and prepare for a friendly rivalry. Which team of firefighters can propel the beach ball the farthest and the fastest? Come out to cheer on our Edmonds station!
Many enjoy relaxing on the park grass with a picnic basket while the children play on the swings and jungle gym. When evening comes, the food vans are back on the grounds of Civic Center Stadium with more substantial fare. There will even be entertainment before the fireworks start.
At the end of the day, night brings on the fireworks show! As we lean back and watch the sky light up, we can hear our favorite patriotic songs in the background and are reminded again about what this day is really all about. We are proud to be here and respectful of the history that got us to this point So wave your flag and sing out loud! God Bless the U.S.A.!
