Liberty Lake to host July Fourth events

It would be difficult to find a place more appropriate to celebrate our nation’s independence than a lake named Liberty.

The Friends of Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake will present its annual Fourth of July celebration starting today.

Bob Schneidmiller, president of the group, said the celebration begins today with the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course Committee’s Patriotic Run. That organization has been raising funds to build workout stations in five locations throughout Liberty Lake, dedicating each one to a fallen service member. Schneidmiller described the run as a “very casual get together.” There is no registration, so folks can show up and run as much of the course as they like.

“Frozen” will be shown tonight at dusk. The event is a singalong, but if you don’t know all the words to “Let It Go,” don’t worry. The words to the songs will appear on screen.

Friday night brings a free concert at Pavillion Park, with Bakin’ Phat and Sammy Eubanks performing.

Schneidmiller said last year, the Friends brought blues guitarist Robert Cray to perform which brought the largest crowd they have had on the Fourth. About 2,500 people came out for the concert.

“We filled up the pavilion and the bowl there,” Schneidmiller said.

Fireworks, sponsored by a local family, will follow the concert. They will be shot over the lake, and aren’t visible from the park.

The fun doesn’t end after the Fourth.

“The city of Liberty Lake approached Friends of Pavillion Park about making it a three-day event,” Schneidmiller said. The group worked closely with the city to bring in three local bands, Hot Club of Spokane, Sidekick and Haze.

Schneidmiller said volunteers have been working since winter to organize the event. The group raises money to put on the event during annual Holiday Ball held at the Davenport Hotel in December.

Along with the events, Liberty Lake Kiwanis will be in the park selling concessions. Alcohol is prohibited.

“I enjoy it a lot,” Schneidmiller said about being part of Friends of Pavillion Park. “It’s a good feeling, bringing quality entertainment to the community.”