Celebrate Fourth of July in Kent at Lake Meridian Park

The city of Kent is throwing its 15th annual Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park.

Pie-eating contests are part of the Fourth of July Splash on July 4 at Lake Meridian Park in Kent.

Pie-eating contests are part of the Fourth of July Splash on July 4 at Lake Meridian Park in Kent.

The city of Kent is throwing its 15th annual Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park.

The fun begins at noon and continues until 11 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the park, 14800 S.E. 272nd St.

The free event will feature family entertainment, including live music, children’s activities, food and drinks and non-motorized boat races and culminate with a classic fireworks display.

“It’s a pleasure to host the Splash at Lake Meridian Park for what has become a great community tradition,” said Mark Hendrickson, city parks’ cultural programs coordinator, in a city media release. “It remains a great family event and a fantastic venue to celebrate Independence Day.”

Hendrickson said Splash attendees will be treated to a continuous day of stage entertainment starting at 12:30 p.m. where local performers will show their talents in front of the hometown crowd.

“James King and the Southsiders will perform high energy powerhouse blues and original jams at 6:30 p.m. followed by our featured performer, Bobby Medina, a Kent native who is widely known for his eclectic mix of jazz, blues and traditional Mexican music,” Hendrickson said.

The fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. Sponsored by the city’s Parks Department and the Lake Meridian Community Association, the show lasts  approximately 20 minutes and is one of the largest displays in South King County.

Off-site parking and free shuttle bus service begins at noon and continues to run approximately every 20 minutes to and from Lake Meridian. Follow event parking signs to Fire Station No. 75, 15635 S.E. 272nd St.; Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. S.E. and 132nd; Faith Baptist Church, 25636 140th Ave. S.E.; and Meridian Elementary School, 25621 140th Ave. S.E.

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.

Activities

(from noon to 5 p.m.)

Wooden Toy Boat Building

Bouncey Houses

T-Bird Puck and Shoot

Republic Services Recycling Activity

Food Booths

A community showcase highlighting local talent

Old fashioned games, pie eating contest

Stage Schedule

12:15-1 p.m.     Allegro Dance

1:15-1:45 p.m.     Destination Unknown

2-2:45 p.m.    Pie Eating Contest

3-3:45 p.m.    Spotlight Dance and Performing Arts Center

4-4:45 p.m.    Once Upon a Tuesday

5-5:45 p.m.    Soul’d Out

6:30-7:30 p.m.     James King and the Southsiders

8:30-9:30 p.m.    Bobby Medina

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