Celebrate Kirkland and the annual Independence Day parade reached a major milestone this year. We had the opportunity to connect with Mayor Kelli Curtis and Councilperson Penny Sweet about the legacy and origin of this iconic kickoff to summer which started a quarter century ago in 1999.
A Kirkland resident since 1985, Penny knew there was an opportunity to showcase the vibrant downtown, celebrate the big summer holiday, and bring the community together.. What started as a no-frills parade along Lake Street and Central way has grown into a Fourth of July tradition for an entire generation.
The Independence Day legacy is now shouldered by the City of Kirkland, with partnership from local businesses, allowing Penny to show up - with a short scooter drive from her home - to enjoy the festivities with everyone else. Mayor Curtis knows this summer staple fits perfectly into the annual Kirkland calendar of events from summer markets, to kid’s summer concerts, pet-themed events and the downtown Wine Walks.
A new addition this year was the relocation of the 'kids pavilion' to the Lakeshore Plaza parking lot, which allowed more space for kids to decorate their bikes, trikes, strollers, and wagons, all while grabbing some patriotic giveaways. This year’s title sponsors were Kirkland fixtures, Lee Johnson Auto Family and Kenworth, with my team supporting the Kid's Parade & Bike Decorating Pavilion.
Coming up later this month is the most overlooked International event in the Greater Seattle Area. Youth softball teams from all over the world converge on Kirkland for the Junior Softball World Series, featured on ESPN+. If your summer travels don’t take you out of town - and why would you want to leave Kirkland in July - check out the opening ceremonies and tournament games from July 27th - August 3rd at Everest Park.
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