Here’s when to see Puyallup fireworks this week and where to park downtown
Puyallup is slated to have two major celebrations for Independence Day starting Friday.
“The City of Puyallup and the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce is preparing for an unforgettable Independence Day weekend as a major signature community celebration and a 250th celebration come together to honor America’s birthday and celebrate the spirit of community, patriotism, and summer fun,” according to a news release on the city’s website.
On Friday, the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce will have their annual Red, White & KABOOM celebration at the Washington State fairgrounds. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to attend.
“The event features live music, a beer garden, food trucks, a 5K hosted by All Things Fun Sports!, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular professional fireworks display to close out the evening,” the release said.
Attendees can bring chairs and blankets to watch the show from designated viewing areas, according to the release. The fireworks show will take place at 10 p.m.
Vehicle passes are $35 per car for the Gold and Teal Lots at the fairgrounds. Passes can be purchased on the Chamber of Commerce website. The Gold Lot is a viewing area for the fireworks alongside the lawn area at the fairgrounds, Stephanie Schramm of MadCap Marketing told The News Tribune via email. The marketing agency is partnering with the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce to put on Friday’s celebration and the America 250 event the following day.
The city’s America 250 Celebration is Saturday at Pioneer Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“The City of Puyallup at Pioneer Park in downtown Puyallup will come alive with patriotic activities, community engagement, live entertainment, military and veteran recognition, food vendors, a beer garden, and an evening concert featuring the band Hair Nation,” the release said.
The release said in partnership with the American Legion, there will be a formal patriotic program presented from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a special brass band performance,” according to the release.
The release said additional activities for the celebration include:
- A cruise and car show from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. hosted by Cruise Puyallup
- A military and veterans services area
- Community information booths
- Food and beverage vendors
- Live music and entertainment through the day
- Patriotic displays and decorations throughout downtown Puyallup
- Special recognition of veterans and active-duty military personnel
“The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is a historic milestone and a time to celebrate the values and freedoms that unite us as Americans,” Mayor Ned Witting said in the release. “Puyallup’s strong tradition of honoring Independence Day makes this year’s America 250 Celebration a special opportunity to come together as a community, honor those who have served our country, and celebrate our shared heritage.”
The Puyallup Farmers’ Market is also having an Independence Day Market at Pioneer Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday. There will be over 130 participants and a mini concert, according to the market’s Facebook page.
Schramm said drivers are advised to park for free either at City Hall, in the AOB lot behind the Puyallup Library or in the Sound Transit parking lot. The Sound Transit lot has 300 parking spaces available on weekends.
“We are anticipating lots of people in town to celebrate America’s birthday, so we recommend folks get here early to secure a parking spot. Also Puyallup Police has agreed not to patrol timed spots that day,” she wrote.
The News Tribune reached out to the city about any road closures that may affect visitors.
“The only road closure in town that could potentially affect visitors for the Fourth of July is the one on 4th Ave. SE between 3rd St. and 4th St. SE,” city spokesperson Eric Johnson said via email.
