The Fourth of July isn’t only about pausing to reflect on our considerable history. It’s also about having fun, being inspired and celebrating our remarkable freedoms with friends and family. I just want to share the amazing Fourth of July spirit our Katesridge neighborhood here in Maple Valley demonstrates every year.

An estimation of a little fewer than 200 kids and spectators participated in this annual celebration. Well over 100 kids and toddlers decorated their bikes, strollers and wagons with colorful, spirited red, white and blue decor and balloons to participate in our annual Kids Bike Parade. That, along with a crowd of parents and family members lining the parade route, makes for a very colorful parade.

Even the adults want to have a part in the parade. Joe Ondik on his Spider and Ken “Opie” Mitch on a Harley helped lead off the start of the parade.

Maple Valley Fire and Life chief Tim Lemon and station personnel from Fire Station 80 were also there to make an appearance with a fire truck and delight the kids with a drive-through with lights and sirens as part of our parade.

Following the parade, onlookers and participants were invited to stay for the picnic/potluck.

I am proud to be a homeowner here in Katesridge, where our freedoms are celebrated and not taken for granted.