For over 20 years, “Celebrate Kirkland” has brought the community together on the Fourth of July with a parade, community picnic and firework display over Marina Park.

With restrictions on large gatherings in this unprecedented situation of an ongoing pandemic, the city is celebrating this year with a virtual event. The city, the Celebrate Kirkland leadership team, and the Kirkland Downtown Association are hosting the first ever virtual Celebrate Kirkland Fourth of July.

The star-spangled Independence Day extravaganza kicks off at noon, Saturday, July 4 on the Kirkland Facebook page, the Kirkland YouTube channel, the Kirkland Granicus Stream, Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.

Commentary is provided by Celebrate Kirkland founder, Mayor Penny Sweet, and longtime community advocate, Terri Fletcher. Both are Celebrate Kirkland veterans, serving on the leadership team since 1999 and 2001, respectively.

“Celebrate Kirkland has always been about bringing the community together, which seems more vital now than ever. The Kirkland community has navigated the intense challenges of the past four months with grace, dignity and a selfless sense of service. I am so proud to be a part of this community,” Sweet stated in a press release. “Once known as the epicenter of COVID-19, we are now an epicenter of hope and resilience. I’m grateful and excited that we have found a way to safely come together to Celebrate Kirkland this Fourth of July.”

Footage of past three years of Celebrate Kirkland parade festivities will be showcased in a video, highlighting the heart and soul of Celebrate Kirkland, according to a press release. This feature honors our veterans and spotlights Kirkland neighborhood associations, arts commissioners, elected officials, service organizations, classic car and hot rod enthusiasts, business leaders and other community members.

After the parade footage, the city will have a”virtual fireworks show” with pyrotechnics from years past.

The city also reminds residents in the release that per Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 11.60, the sale, possession and discharge of personal fireworks are prohibited in city limits.

Kirkland’s fireworks ban went into effect in 1999 to help eliminate property damage, injury, and fires and to protect the natural beauty of our region. In general, public fireworks displays are allowed when properly permitted by the Kirkland Fire Department, but this year’s traditional Fourth of July display is cancelled.