The Maple Valley’s Independence Day picnic at Lake Wilderness Park is set for Sunday, Fourth of July. Activities begin at 4 p.m. with the fireworks show scheduled for 10 p.m.
Family activities
Families with children will want to get to the park just after 4 p.m. to take part in the free arts and crafts booth with the Camp Wild staff. Kids can choose from a variety of themed projects to take home while supplies last.
A live band will take the stage at 5 p.m. and don’t forget to join the traditional picnic games including the three-legged race, gunnysack race, water balloon toss and parachute games. Free face painting will also be available from 4-8 p.m.
Homemade pie baking contest
All bakers (men, women, seniors and youth) are invited to enter their favorite fruit pie in the homemade pie baking contest. Entries will be accepted at the pie contest tent at the beach house from 4-6 p.m. There are no entry fees and winners in each category will receive a ribbon and certificate. Rules and details are available on the city of Maple Valley website.
Food and drink
Many families will bring their own picnics, but food will be available at the park. The Maple Valley junior football and cheer will be grilling up a variety of affordable and traditional Independence Day foods like onion hamburgers and hot dog. Also available will be other food and concession available for purchase.
Tips for viewing the fireworks
The best viewing for the fireworks display, which starts at 10 p.m. sharp, will be in the beach area. Music by Maple Valley Youth Symphony will be accompanying the fireworks, so for best listening and viewing be close to the stage. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to reserve your preferred viewing location.
Keeping it safe
The day of the show there will be a safety buffer set up on the park grounds and lake. This area will be patrolled by the Maple Valley Police Explorers and King County Sheriff’s Office aquatic unit. Boats on the lake outside the restricted area are permitted, and should have some very good views of the fireworks.
Those attending are encouraged to walk to the park if possible and bring flashlights for use following the show.
There will be free parking available in the main parking lot and near the boat launch.
Road closure
The intersection at S.E. 248th and Witte as well as S.E. 248th and Lake Wilderness Drive will be restricted or closed following the fireworks so two lanes of traffic can be used. Drivers are asked to be patient and to follow all parking rules to avoid being towed.
• Also included in the day’s events will be a welcome from Mayor Noel Gerken, veterans recognition, music and dancing on the beach to a live band playing classic rock–n-roll.
Volunteers are still needed to work in the veterans booth collecting names of local veterans during the Independence Day event or any businesses who could donate prizes for the pie baking contest winners are encouraged to contact Mark Ratcliffe at 425-423-9953.
No alcohol or outside fireworks will be allowed in the park
For further information please contact the city of Maple Valley Parks and Recreation Department 425-423-9953 or check the city’s website.
