Celebrate July 4 at Lake Meridian in Kent, Washington

Celebrate America’s independence at Kent’s 19th annual Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St. The fun begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m., Tues., July 4.

The event features family entertainment including live music, children’s activities, food and drinks and culminates with a class fireworks display. Admission to the Splash is free.

“It’s a pleasure to host the Splash at Lake Meridian for what has become a great community tradition,” says Kent Parks’ Cultural Programs Coordinator Mark Hendrickson. It’s a super family event and a fantastic venue to celebrate Independence Day.”

Free shuttle buses starting at noon will take visitors to Lake Meridian Park from Kent Fire Station 75, Kentwood High School and Mattson Middle School.

Family activities run from noon – 5 p.m. Highlights include bounce houses, recycling activities from Republic Services, Kent Parks and Recreation carnival games, Seattle Thunderbirds Puck Shoot and hands-on activities.

This year’s stage line up may be the best in Splash history. The evening concludes with a special performance by Dylan Jakobsen.

Splash Event Schedule

11:30 a.m.                    Ribbon Cutting for new Lake Meridian dock

                                     Elected officials will cut the ribbon to celebrate

Noon – 12:30 p.m.         Spotlight Dance

Local dance studio performers

12:45 – 1:30 p.m.          Abigail Neilson

Sings Taylor Swift-inspired originals

1:45 – 2:15 p.m.            Roomers Performance Team

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.            Pie Eating Contest

3:30 – 4:15 p.m.            Root5

Americana, five–piece Kent-based band

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.            Norman Baker

Seattle based folk/Americana/country blues music

6 – 7:30 p.m.                 Bobby Medina and the Red Hot Band

                                      America’s #1 Herb Alpert Tribute show         !

8 – 9:30 p.m.                 Dylan Jakobsen

                                      Rising star of country music!

10 p.m.                          Lake Meridian Fireworks Display

Note: All consumer fireworks are illegal in Kent, including city parks and school property.

For more information on the Splash and other cultural events, visit KentArts.com or call 253-856-5050. The Splash is presented by Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Kent Arts Commission.

Dana Neuts

I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, marketing pro and the publisher of iLoveKent.net.