North Kitsap’s Independence Day celebrations — July 3 in Poulsbo and July 2-4 in Kingston — are about more than fireworks.
This year, July 4 is on a Monday, creating an opportunity to attract visitors to North Kitsap and bolster our economy over a three-day weekend.
But the celebrations need your help. Major sponsors have stepped forward, but support is needed from the community to fill the funding gap. Here’s the return on your investment, no matter the size: Visitors’ dollars spent locally, helping to support our local economy.
As of Wednesday, the Kingston Fourth of July Celebration Committee had raised only about $5,500 of its $35,000 goal, according to committee chairman Pete DeBoer. Of that $35,000, only $15,000 is for fireworks. The rest is for event insurance, sound equipment and stage rentals, and other logistical costs.
DeBoer said a rush of donations usually comes in at the end of June, but to-date fundraising totals lag behind previous years’ to-date totals. If money comes in short, the committee will cut back on live entertainment and other activities.
3rd of July is one of Poulsbo’s biggest tourist events. Suquamish’s Port Madison Enterprises has unwritten one-third of the cost. According to the Viking Fest Corporation, organizers of the event, if each family contributed at least $5 to the fund — “equivalent to the cost of going to a movie” — the gap could easily be filled.
3rd of July starts at noon at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, with concessions and live entertainment. The fireworks display over Liberty Bay starts at about 10:15 p.m.
Kingston’s Fourth of July Celebration starts at 10 a.m. on July 2, with Tiny Town and children’s events at Kola Kole Park, continuing through July 4. Kingston’s Got Talent is July 2, 1-4 p.m. The Musical Festival is July 4, 4 p.m. until dark. The fireworks display begins at about 10:15 p.m. over Apple Tree Cove.
To contribute to the 3rd of July Celebration, write Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 1125, Poulsbo, WA 98370, or visit the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, 19351 8th Ave. To contribute to the Kingston’s celebration, write Kingston Fourth of July Celebration, P.O. Box 1505, Kingston, WA 98346.
