Kirkland Prepares for July Fourth Bash

Kirkland police and fire officials are asking residents to come downtown and enjoy the city’s big celebration and fireworks on the Fourth of July -- 10,000 people are expected -- and remember that personal lighting of fireworks is prohibited city-wide.

That now includes, for the first time, the northern neighborhoods of Finn Hill, north Juanita and Kingsgate.

On June 1 those neighborhoods joined Kirkland and shed their status as unincorporated areas of King County, where “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed.

To get the word out that all fireworks are now banned -- even sparklers -- fire crews will be driving the new city neighborhoods to remind residents.

“It’s sort of an education effort, more of a safety message, since we don’t do enforcement,” said Helen Ahrens-Byington, Kirkland Fire Department deputy chief.

At the same time, both the fire and police departments will have extra staff on duty during the busy weekend, which culminates Monday with Kirkland’s big summertime bash on the Fourth of July. Sponsored by Celebrate Kirkland and based at Marina Park, activities include a kids parade (11:30 a.m.), the 12th annual old-fashioned patriotic parade (noon), the Rotary Club of Kirkland’s “Duck Dash” (3 p.m.), and the spectacular fireworks show (10:15 p.m.).

The city expects some 10,000 people to be enjoying the celebration along the waterfront and plans to be prepared. 

“There’s going to be more officers out that night, mainly in the downtown core because of all the people,” said Sgt. Rob Saloum of the Kirkland Police Department. “They will be out and about in the new areas too, as well as old Kirkland. There are a lot of people unaware of the fireworks law - there are a lot of people unaware of annexation, it’s amazing.”

Police are expecting the typical small percentage of drunk and disorderly people. But by and large, the Fourth celebrations tend to be busy, but festive and fun with a family atmosphere.

“Celebrate Kirkland is really about the Fourth of July and not about anything but Kirkland, in a big, giant celebration,” says Deputy Mayor Penny Sweet, chair of Celebrate Kirkland. “If there’s anything we suffer from in Kirkland, it’s pride. This is a time when everybody in town holds hands and gets along.”

The late Bill Petter, longtime Kirkland businessman, civic activist, walker and ubiquitous presence around town until his death in March, will be honored and has been named grand marshal of the patriotic parade.

“When we had our first meeting 12 or 13 years ago about Celebrate Kirkland, Bill was one of our first supporters,” recalls Sweet.

Meantime, the city is advising motorists that certain main roads downtown will be closed for the parades and other events, that parking will be tough, and to expect delays. It is also noting that all the waterfront parks offer great viewing of the fireworks, including , , and parks, along with on the bluff above the marina.

The marina parking lot, including Lakeshore Plaza Drive from Central Way to Kirkland Avenue and Kirkland Avenue from Lake Shore Plaza Drive to Lake Street, will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 11:00 p.m.

The following roads will be closed and detours in place from 9:30 a.m. until the parade ends at approximately 1:30 p.m.:

• 6th, 5th, and 4th Avenues from 1st St. to Market St.
• 5th Ave. W from Waverly Way to Market St.
• Waverly Way from 4th St. W to Market St.
• 2nd & 3rd Street W from 5th Ave. W to Waverly Way.
• Market St. from 7th Ave. to Central Way.
• Lake Ave. W.
• 1st St. from 3rd Ave. to Central Way.
• 2nd Place from 3rd Ave. to Central Way.
• Central Way from Market St. to Main St.
• Park Lane from Lake St. to Main St.
• Kirkland Ave. from Lake St. to Main St.
• Main St. from Central Way to Kirkland Ave.
• Lake St. from Central Way to Kirkland Ave.

The city is also asking residents to:

• Report fireworks violations. People observing non-emergency violations of the fireworks ban should contact NORCOM Police Dispatch at 425-577-5656 and a Kirkland police officer will be dispatched when available. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

• Keep pets safe. Most pets are upset by fireworks and should be kept inside. Report lost and found pets to King County Regional Animal Services at 206-296-7387.

• Carpool, or use other alternate means of transportation.

• Respect Kirkland’s parks, where alcohol is prohibited.