Even though it’s still rare to get a day warm enough to skip throwing on a coat in the morning, movers and shakers in town are gathering to plan summer fun.
The Committees of Kingston Fourth of July are getting fired up for this year’s celebration, set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3-4. The theme is “Generations of Fun.”
Organizers of Tiny Town, the parade, fireworks and entertainment in Mike Wallace Park are putting out calls for donations to fund events and volunteers to help pull off the two-day celebration. To cover expenses of the North End’s biggest party of the year, over $35,000 needs to be raised through sponsorships and individual giving.
Fundraising, led by Pete DeBoer, has hit the ground running. A donation form is available on page 10 of this issue – community support is vital. Donation jars will pop up around town to catch spare change.
Community groups who want to participate in the Fourth of July parade can pick up applications now, available in Kingston at John L. Scott, RE/MAX, the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Sacks Feed & Garden and American Marine Bank.
A parade marshal has not been announced yet. Jet Wolke is taking over planning for the parade from long-time coordinator Bev Pierce.
The Greater Kingston Kiwanis has put out a call to Kingston Junior High students to submit designs for the Fourth of July buttons that are sold to benefit events.
After undergoing a renovation last year, Tiny Town will spring up in Kola Kole Park again with a stage for local entertainment, crafts, food and lots of activities for kids. Led by Debbie Anderson, Tiny Town organizers hope to stay open a few hours later July 3 and add a dance with a live band from 6-9 p.m. Samantha Graham is coordinating volunteers for Tiny Town and Juliet Deggendorfer will schedule entertainment on stage in the little village. Mimi Smith-Danielson will oversee food booths.
Kevin Sutherland will get the stage wired and provide electrical hook-ups and a sound system.
Other events will include the annual pancake breakfast at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club and a special Kingston Farmers’ Market.
It’s sure to be another memorable holiday for everyone, but the more that gets done now, especially with raising funds, the sweeter it will be slipping into summertime.
Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring Kingston’s Fourth of July can contact Pete DeBoer at (360) 649-1806. To make a contribution, use the form on page 10 of this issue or send a check payable to Kingston Fourth of July Celebration, P.O. Box 1505, Kingston, WA, 98346.
For more information on the parade, contact Jet Wolke at (360) 297-1409 or Bev Pierce at (360) 297-1067. Call to have an application mailed or faxed, or pick one up in Kingston at John L. Scott, RE/MAX, the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Sacks Feed & Garden and American Marine Bank. Remember to include proof of vehicle insurance with the application.
To volunteer at Tiny Town, contact Samantha Graham at (360) 779-9820 or (360) 551-1572. To apply to perform on stage at Tiny Town, contact Juliet Deggendorfer at (360) 297-0597. To have a craft booth, contact Katrina Jafek at (360) 621-6818. To reserve a food booth, contact Mimi Smith-Danielson at (360) 297-8876. A Web site with applications and more information is being updated at www.tiny-town.org.
