Plans for “An Edmonds Kind of 4th” Main Parade & Fireworks Back On
Chamber Needs Volunteers, Sponsors & Participants

The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is working tirelessly to try and make the 4th of July Main Parade and Fireworks show happen after all. When Governor Inslee proclaimed the entire state would lift of all Covid-19 related restrictions starting June 30th, Chamber staff decided to do everything in their power to bring back the core 4th of July activities.

Still operating with reduced staff and with 1/5th of the usual planning time, the Chamber staff is working alongside City departments and Council doing their absolute best to provide Edmonds with these beloved events. To make it happen though, it is CRITICAL the community provide the necessary volunteer support, registrations to march in the parade, signups for the Beat Brackett 5K and for businesses who are able to sponsor an event.

PARADE & FIREWORKS ARE NOT GURANTEED. Many moving pieces are still uncertain and must be confirmed.

Before the events can officially happen:

  • City Council must still review and approve safety, logistics and other issues,
  • Enough volunteer and sponsorship support must be secured,
  • Enough people and groups need to register to participate/march in the parade.

All of this AND Snohomish County must move out of phase restrictions by the June 30th date Governor declared. If Snohomish County is mandated to stay in Phase 3 through July 4th these events cannot happen.

VOLUNTEER: Normally the 4th of July festivities require over 125 volunteers to make the events possible. This year, with staffing shortages within the City and the Chamber, we are relying even more on the community to rally and volunteer to fill the 175 shifts needed – 50 more than in years past. Many of the positions do require lifting and carrying supplies, walking and standing for a few hours at a time. Not able to do so? Don’t give up, we have jobs for everyone! Bring a group of friends and family and make giving back to your community a part of celebrating our nation’s birthday. For more information, a list of all jobs and shifts and to sign up, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084baaaf29a3f94-anedmonds

PARADE: In the sincerest hopes that the Main Parade will happen, the Chamber has opened registration for parade participants. We understand that participating groups need time to plan and build floats. For more information about marching / driving in the parade and to register, visit: https://business.edmondschamber.com/events/details/4th-of-july-main-parade-2021-8487

BEAT BRACKETT 5K: Beat Brackett 5K race is assured for the morning of July 4th regardless of the County’s re-opening phase. Registrations are ONLINE ONLY this year – NO DAY OF REGISTRATIONS. Deadline to register is June 25th. There is a new route for 2021 which starts at Edmonds City Park, winds through the Town of Woodway and finishes again at City Park. Special thank you to the Town of Woodway for generously allowing the Beat Brackett to run through their beautiful streets. For more information and to register for the Beat Brackett 5K race visit: https://business.edmondschamber.com/events/details/beat-brackett-5k-2021-9933

FIREWORKS: We are working with new vendors in order to bring fireworks back this year and also a larger show (budget) has been required. If COVID restrictions are lifted by July 4th we will have public viewing of the fireworks in Civic Field, as in years past. If those restrictions have not lifted the show will still go on but you will have to find another venue to view the firework display.

The Edmonds Chamber wants the community to know there would not even be a chance for these events to happen if it were not for the extreme dedication from City departments in rushing applications, pushing approvals and advocating for the Chamber. Shannon Burley, Recreation and Cultural Services Director has been just one of many champions working to make these events happen. Even if these events cannot happen, we hope the community joins us in thanking the City for their efforts and support.

As a public safety measure, the Beat Brackett 1K and the Children’s Parade will not happen this year. As there is not yet a vaccine for children younger than 12 and those two events bring thousands of young children together, the Chamber felt it is the safest choice to wait until 2022 when there will hopefully be a vaccine for young children.

An additional thanks to the Hazel Miller Foundation, Hubbard Family Foundation, Salish Sea Brewing Company and Westgate Chapel who have already pledged financial support for these events. We need many other businesses to step up and sponsor to get us over the goal line this 4th of July!

Contact the Edmonds Chamber office for more details.
425-670-1496
greg@edmondswa.com
www.edmondschamber.com