Fourth of July Celebrations in Carnation, WA for 2008

Each year, in Washington State, the little town of Carnation puts enormous work into their Fourth of July celebrations, insuring non-stop activities from the evening of July 3^rd until dusk on July 4th. With this celebration for the entire town, the streets are blocked off, walking routes are set up and the festivities then begin.

Kicking off the holiday celebration with an early jump on the festivities is the famous Spaghetti Dinner put on by the Sno-Valley Senior Center. This is held at the senior Center and starts at 7pm on July 3^rd. Here you can enjoy a nice dinner with friends and save yourself kitchen duty the night before a busy day.

Bright and early on the 4^th, is the annual 5K Run/Walk for the Pies that winds through the streets of Carnation. Though the race starts at 8:30, registration is at 7:30 with the race starting and ending at the junction of Tolt and Commercial. The entrance fee is $25.00 and everyone who enters gets a 4^th of July T-shirt, with various prizes awarded including, but not limited to, one of Remlinger Farm's famous pies. This event is also one of the final races in the Snoqualmie Valley Cup.

At 8 am you have two activities opening up: the registration for the annual Hot Rods and Harleys in the parking lot of Bank of America on Tolt Rd. and the Pancake Breakfast put on by the Tolt Congregational Church right across the street. The pancake breakfast runs from 8 until 11 am, so you have time to both register and eat!

The Senior Center opens their doors again for their luscious Strawberry Shortcake sale at 10 am and that event will run all day until they run out.

At 10:15 the flag raising ceremony is held on Bird Street and then attention turns to the Kiddies Parade. Yes, the children in Carnation have their own parade down Main Street (Tolt Rd). This year the kids line up at QFC and head down toward the Tolt Congregational Church. The welcome address, from the Mayor immediately follows the Children's Parade at the Parade Stage platform on Tolt Rd.

Then, at 11 am, the Grand Parade starts with the favorites from Carnation, several surrounding towns like Duvall and Fall City, and Seattle. Expect the cars, the horses, the dancers, the gymnasts, the schools, the clowns and finally the spectacular Seattle Chinese Girls Drill Team. This precision marching team in full costume is awe inspiring. The streets are lined during this parade, so get their early and bring your chairs. The parade runs in the opposite direction of the Children's Parade, going from the Tolt Congregational Church to QFC.

The fun doesn't stop there. Immediately following the parade enjoy the Vendor Village on Bird Street. There you'll find the wares and the food from local businesses throughout the Snoqualmie Valley. Washington State has a wealth of artisans. Come see and perhaps purchase some of their work at the Vendor Village. This will run all day too. In addition, there is always a kiddie amusement park on Bird Street where the children can play and have some fun.

From noon until 4pm browse through the Hot Rods and Harleys display held at the Bank of America parking lot. Trophies are given out at 3:00 and raffles are held throughout the day. All entrants receive a T-shirt and registration information can be found on the Carnation 4^th of July information page. See the sources listing for details.

At 3:30 attention turns to Tolt-McDonald Park where live entertainment starts prior to the grand finale, the Carnation Fireworks display. These occur shortly after 10pm as soon as it is dark enough.

All in all, celebrating the 4^th of July in Carnation, WA can be a wonderful display of hometown festivities, camaraderie and fun. It is non-stop action the entire family can enjoy.