📷 Through the Lens: Kirkland’s 4th of July Parade 2025
🕗 8:00 AM – The Setup Begins
Marina Park was still waking up. I walked the perimeter with a wide-angle lens, capturing early risers claiming curbside spots, volunteers adjusting signage, and parents helping kids decorate wagons. Light was soft, the air still cool—ideal conditions for candid storytelling.
🚲 Little Ones Take the Lead
At 11:30 AM, the Kids Parade springs to life. Young participants proudly march, bike, stroll, and wheel through Lakeshore Plaza—an exciting preamble to the main event, celebrating creativity, community spirit, and childhood joy .
🎺 Parade Time: Noon Magic
Come 12:00 PM, the parade begins with a stirring National Anthem, bagpiper, and Color Guard saluting veterans at the grandstand at Kirkland Ave & Lake Street. This rings in an hour-long procession of nearly 100 entries—marching bands, dance troupes, community floats, vintage cars, and civic groups cross in a kaleidoscope of movement and color
📸 Through the Lens: Candid Highlights
Generations of pride: Veterans in uniform receiving heartfelt applause from gathered onlookers.
Colorful floats: Each decorated with creativity—community energy captured pixel by pixel.
Cheering crowds: Flags waving, faces lit with smiles, toddlers clutching small flags.
Performance moments: Bands rhythmically echoing down the streets; dancers bringing sparkle to the pavement.
🌞 Lakeside Leisure
After the parade, the celebration spills onto the Lake Washington shoreline in Marina Park. Picnic blankets lay out next to food trucks on Central and Lake Street, and relaxed chatter fills the air as families unwind by the water . Kids dash toward the lake for a spontaneous splash—an idyllic extension to the morning’s festivities.
