As Kingston’s annual 4th of July celebration inches closer, the event is nearing the amount of donations it needs to put on the fireworks show as costs have increased.
The event is funded by donations from local businesses, organizations and community members. A letter to the community from event chairman Tony Clark states costs for fireworks about five years ago were between $35,000 to $40,000 but now those costs are closer to $60,000.
“The good news is that we have made significant progress in the last 10-12 days,” Clark said in a Facebook post. “We still need to keep raising money for the cause…Please keep sharing this message with anyone and everyone. We are close to our 2024 goal, but we also need money going into 2025 as well. Any residual funds collected will absolutely be used for next year, so no donation goes wasted.”
Clark said many local businesses have stepped up to donate funds such as The Point Casino & Hotel, Port of Kingston and The Saucy Sailor, among others. Members of North Kitsap Fire & Rescue pitched in $1,000 out of their own pockets, and days later the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2819 (representing NKF&R, as well as Poulsbo and Central Kitsap fire departments) matched the previous donation with another $1,000.
As for the events, the long day kicks off with the pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club. Food includes pancakes, sausage, ham, orange juice and coffee.
Tiny Town opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. at Village Green Park. It includes inflatable and bouncy house attractions along with other activities, along with food and other vendors.
The main attraction is the parade through downtown starting at noon. Viewing areas are available on the side of the road, but they fill up quickly. Following the parade is the annual ball race, and kids can get free hot dogs at the Yacht Club at 1 p.m.
Other activities starting at 1 p.m. include the beer/wine/spirits tent at Mike Wallace Park, which runs until 9 p.m. Music will be performed all day and evening at the park. A new event running from 1-5 p.m. is tree climbing at Elevated Adventures located behind Village Green Community Center.
The fireworks show will be at 10 p.m. on the waterfront if enough funds are raised.
