Kirkland Cancels July 4 Fireworks, Parade For 2021

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland's July Fourth celebrations are on hold for another year due to limitations posed by "the everchanging environment of COVID-19 safety protocols," city officials announced Monday. The decision means no Fourth of July parade, community picnic, or fireworks show for the second year running. Celebrate Kirkland is slated to return in 2022.

"This was not a decision made lightly, but one made after thoughtful consideration for the health and wellness of our friends, families, residents, and guests," officials wrote. "Further, it was made after a realistic analysis of the capacity of the small but mighty team of volunteers who have organized and carried out Celebrate Kirkland for many years. Celebrate Kirkland has always been a massive, heart-filled endeavor, driven by a dedicated group of community volunteers passionate about both honoring Independence Day and celebrating Kirkland's past, present and future."

Kirkland's decision follows several other summer event cancellations across the region, including the July 4 fireworks show on Seattle's Lake Union and the Bumbershoot Music Festival. The city said public health recommendations were not compatible with the number of volunteers needed to safely host one of the year's most popular events.

"We ask our community for grace and understanding, as this was a tremendously difficult decision to make," officials wrote. "We hope that you will join us in celebrating the events that we are safely able to hos, like the KDA's Kirkland Wednesday Market, and the City's Juanita Friday Market."