Some of the July 4 festivities that Kirklanders have come to enjoy each year, including the fireworks display, have been saved from the budget axe thanks to an auction held Friday.

The Celebrate Kirkland group originally aimed for at least $50,000 to have a scaled back fireworks show, but has exceeded the group’s expectations.

“The auction was put together in a few weeks as a last ditch effort to give us a boost,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Penny Sweet, who organized the event and owns Grape Choice where the auction was held. “Our goal was 100 items and a $5,000 pay back. We beat that by $2,000.”

The event, which hosted 102 people, added $7,000 to the Celebrate Kirkland July 4 fund.

“Our original budget was for $65,000 and we are now closing on $60,000,” said Sweet. “As we get closer I am restoring some of the cuts – music in the park, flags, decorations, things for the thousands of kids that attend and anything we have left over will go to purchasing new flags for the city in 2011. We purchased 100 flags several years ago and are down to a mere 25 or so that fly throughout town now.”

The city’s annual July 4 parade will begin at noon on Sunday, put on by Celebrate Kirkland. The group will also present the fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. with viewing from Marina Park in downtown Kirkland.

Other events for July 4 in Kirkland include: the Kirkland Arts Center and Celebrate Kirkland will host a “decorate to celebrate” event for kids at the Marina Park Pavilion at 10 a.m.; children’s walking parade begins at Market and Central at 11:30 a.m.; live music and food vendors at Marina Park from 1-5 p.m., including the annual Duck Dash at 4 p.m.; live music by The Ex Box Boys in the Pavilion at Marina Park at 9 p.m.

To donate go to www.celebratekirkland.org. Funds will help with this year’s festivities and to get a start on next year’s celebration.

Traffic delays

on July 4

Commuters should expect traffic delays due to the 4th of July Parade to be held on Sunday, July 4. 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 p.m. The 4th of July Parade, picnic, and fireworks draw over 10,000 attendees. For event information, go to www.celebratekirkland.org.