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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Celebrate July Fourth at Greenacres Park

The North Greenacres neighborhood is rolling out the red carpet again with their second annual Fourth of July celebration Thursday in Greenacres Park.

The event is somewhat scaled back from last year’s schedule, with no evening events planned. The day was just too long last year, said organizer Mary Pollard. She said a lot of families left after the morning events last year. “We learned something from our first event.”

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Ferdinand the Bull” in honor of a statue of Ferdinand in the park’s playground. The day starts at 9:45 a.m. with registration for the children’s parade that will wind through the park’s walking paths. Decorated wagons and bicycles are encouraged. The first 130 families to sign up will receive a free copy of the book “The Story of Ferdinand” and children will receive an American flag to carry in the parade.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Free ice cream and cupcakes will follow. A children’s concert featuring the story of Ferdinand performed by concert violinist Jason Bell will begin at 10:20 a.m.

Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey will speak at 10:45 a.m. and family games begin at 11 a.m. A petting zoo and a live band will run during the afternoon. The Bubba Dogz gourmet hot dog cart will be available for food purchases. The event will end at 3 p.m.

The celebration is supported entirely by donations, said Pollard, and the neighborhood received a $500 grant from the Spokane Valley Arts Foundation to pay for the books and violinist.

Donations are also key for the annual Fourth of July celebration in Liberty Lake. Community donations pay for the fireworks show and the Friends of Pavillion Park put on a free concert every year.

This year’s concert in Pavillion Park, located at Country Vista Drive and Molter Road, features 6 Foot Swing and Tuxedo Junction. The music begins at 6 p.m. and the Liberty Lake Kiwanis will be selling food and drink items.

The fireworks begin about 10:10 p.m. Parking will be available at Liberty Lake Elementary School, 23606 E. Boone Ave.

Donations for the fireworks show can be made at www.libertylakefireworks.com.