Kent’s Fourth of July Splash draws crowds each year to Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

Kent’s Fourth of July Splash draws crowds each year to Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

Kent’s Fourth of July Splash to feature fireworks display, music, food

Event to run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at Lake Meridian Park

Check out the city of Kent’s annual free Fourth of July Splash event for music, food trucks, games and a fireworks display on Thursday, July 4 at Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St.

Event hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Park gates open at 3 p.m. for drop off only. No parking will be available at the park, but the city will offer shuttle service from two lots from 5 p.m. to after the fireworks, which start at 10 p.m. Park gates will lock at midnight.

The fireworks are presented by the city of Kent Parks Department and Lake Meridian Community Association. The fireworks show returned last year after a three-year absence due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and a shortage of city funds in 2022.

Shuttle service

Shuttle buses will run approximately every 20 minutes from each parking area to Lake Meridian from 5 p.m. until after the fireworks display.

The parking lots:

• Kent Fire Station 75, 15635 SE 272nd St.

• Kentwood High School, 25800 164th SE in Covington (Gates closed at midnight)

Parking at Lake Meridian is by permit only. Only valid state issued disabled parking plaques and permits issued by the Fourth of July Splash will be allowed. Neighborhood parking is not advised as illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.

A load and unload policy will apply at the Lake Meridian parking lot. Police will direct you to a location. One person must stay with vehicle at all times. Parking is 15 minutes only. Vehicles left unattended or not actively loaded or unloaded will be towed.

Music

6 p.m. Big Sky City Lights

This duo performs both lush originals and creatively arranged covers with a fresh and modern sound. Their special brand of stripped-down contemporary folk-pop creates an imaginary musical “locale” halfway between the spacious sky-filled landscapes of Montana – home to singer-songwriter-guitarist Nick Spear – and the urban cityscapes of New York where singer-songwriter Susan O’Dea resides.

8 p.m. Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme

This Seattle-based funk juggernaut features front man Eldridge Gravy backed by the hot, gritty orchestration of the 13-member Court Supreme. The group works dance floors to a fever pitch with their full-bore performance and smooth rapport with audiences. They have headlined practically every prestigious venue in Seattle and Portland, including Crocodile, Neumos, Tractor Tavern, Showbox, Doug Fir Lounge and Star Theater. They have also ruthlessly funked thousands of festival goers at Bumbershoot, the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, July 4th at Gasworks Park and Summer Meltdown.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

The Big Sky City Lights duo of Susan O’Dea and Nick Spear will perform at 6 p.m. July 4 at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

The Big Sky City Lights duo of Susan O’Dea and Nick Spear will perform at 6 p.m. July 4 at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

Seattle-based Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme will perform at 8 p.m. at Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

Seattle-based Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme will perform at 8 p.m. at Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

More in Life

The Kent Holiday Craft Market will run Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2 at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Catch the Kent Holiday Craft Market Friday, Saturday Nov. 1-2

Features one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts from local artists and craftspeople

Team Survivor Northwest hike to Twin Lakes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Courtesy photo.
Team Survivor Northwest leads hiking adventures for women battling cancer

“It’s so wonderful connecting with all these women,” said breast cancer survivor Jennifer Dovey.

Kent Station’s annual Haunted Boo-Levard is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at the shopping center. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Station
Kent Station shopping center plans Halloween celebration Oct. 31

Trick or treating at local shops from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

t
Street of Treats Halloween event in downtown Kent set for Oct. 26

A frightfully fun family outing from 2 to 5 p.m. at 11 participating businesses

t
The Wolf’s Hometown Holiday country concert set for Dec. 5 in Kent

Lineup: Jordan Davis, Randy Houser, Warren Zeiders, Jackson Dean, Priscilla Block and Zach Top

My first Marble Queen Pothos, named Frida. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Plants are the new pets: Bringing some lively green to your living space

For people who may be new to house plants or those who want a way to help spruce up their living space, here are a few tips.

Gamers face off in a match of “Tekken” at PAX. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
PAX West: Highlighting local games, charities

It has been 20 years since the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) first… Continue reading

t
Disney on Ice returns Oct. 23-27 to Kent at ShoWare Center

Theme for this year is Magic in the Stars

t
Kent Cider & Ale Trail event set for Oct. 12 in historic downtown

Enjoy ciders, ales and other beverages while enjoying the charm of local shops

In an effort to strengthen King County’s cultural sector and increasing public access to arts, heritage, science, public art and historic preservation education and experiences, 4Culture and Doors Open will bring funding to local non-profit organizations in 2025 and beyond. Susan Point. “Northwind Fishing Weir Legend”, 1997. Carved and painted cedar with cast concrete. Green River Trail, Tukwila, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com
Doors Open brings millions of dollars to arts and cultural organizations throughout King County

With a minimum of 25% of funding to go to areas outside of Seattle, Doors Open will strengthen public acces to art, heritage, science and historic preservation.