It’s a good thing fireworks never get old, because this is year six for the city’s Independence Day celebration at Sammamish Commons.
“The years have flown by,” City Manager Ben Yazici said. “It seems like just yesterday that we had our first Fourth on the Plateau.”
With no reason to mess with success, the city will hit the repeat button and draw huge crowds once again with music, great food, entertainment for the kids, and, of course, the “bombs bursting in air.” Activities begin at 6 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled for about 10 p.m.
“Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and an enthusiastic community, the Fourth on the Plateau is the biggest event of the year in Sammamish,” Parks Director Jessi Richardson said. “It’s a great time to see your neighbors, make new friends, and continue to build our sense of community.”
This year’s setup will be almost identical to last year’s, with families encouraged to enter the Lower Commons via Southeast Fourth Street. That’s where the kids’ entertainment is centered, and it’s also the very best place to find a perfectly sloped lawn for your fireworks-viewing pleasure.
“There’s only one significant change this year,” Richardson said. “The parking lot just west of City Hall has been expanded to accommodate police vehicles, so there’s less viewing space there than last year.”
As usual, getting to Sammamish Commons for the big show will involve some walking, either from home or from one of the suggested parking locations.
“We’re looking forward to another big turnout this year,” Richardson said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
- No left turns onto or off of 228th, please!
To help with traffic flow before, during and after the July 4th event, no left turns will be allowed onto or off of 228th Avenue between N.E. Main St. and S.E. 20th St. from 4 p.m. to midnight. Northbound drivers can turn left or make a u-turn when they reach N.E. Fourth St. Southbound drivers can turn left or make a u-turn when they reach S.E. 24th St. NOTE: S.E. Fourth St. will be closed to vehicular traffic after the fireworks to allow residents to exit the Lower Commons.
For additional information about the big celebration, click on the "events" tab on the left side of this page.