Celebrate America’s independence at Kent’s 19th annual Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St.
The fun begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 4.
The free event features family entertainment including live music, children’s activities, food and drinks and culminates with a fireworks display.
“It’s a pleasure to host the Splash at Lake Meridian for what has become a great community tradition,” said Kent Parks’ Cultural Programs coordinator Mark Hendrickson in a city media release. “It’s a super family event and a fantastic venue to celebrate Independence Day.”
Free shuttle buses starting at noon will take visitors to Lake Meridian Park from Kent Fire Station 75, 15635 SE 272nd St.; Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE; and Mattson Middle School, 16400 SE 251st St.
Family activities run from noon to 5 p.m. Highlights include bounce houses, recycling activities from Republic Services, Kent Parks and Recreation carnival games, Seattle Thunderbirds Puck Shoot and hands-on activities.
City officials remind residents the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks are prohibited in Kent, except for permitted displays. This marks the first year of a new city ban on fireworks. The former city code allowed fireworks to be discharged on July 4 and the sale of fireworks from June 28 to July 4.
This year’s stage lineup may be the best in Splash history, according to city staff. The evening concludes with a special performance by country artist Dylan Jakobsen, a Seattle native.
For more information, visit KentArts.com or call 253-856-5050. The Splash is presented by Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Kent Arts Commission.
• Splash Event Schedule
11:30 a.m. Ribbon cutting for new Lake Meridian dock; elected officials will cut the ribbon to celebrate
Noon-12:30 p.m. Spotlight Dance; local dance studio performers
12:45-1:30 p.m. Abigail Neilson; sings Taylor Swift-inspired originals
1:45-2:15 p.m. Roomers Performance Team
2:30-3:15 p.m. Pie Eating Contest
3:30-4:15 p.m. Root5; Americana, five-piece Kent-based band
4:30-5:30 p.m. Norman Baker, Seattle based folk/Americana/country blues music
6-7:30 p.m. Bobby Medina and the Red Hot Band; America’s top Herb Alpert Tribute show
8-9:30 p.m. Dylan Jakobsen; rising star of country music
10 p.m. Lake Meridian fireworks display
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