Review editorial: Excitement mounts for Fourth on Plateau
June 24, 2008
By Staff
Last year’s Fourth on the Plateau was a huge success, even though it was the first such event.
Fast forward to this year and the excitement is mounting! There will be live music from two bands, lots more concession stands, twice the portable toilets, a children’s play area, clowns, balloons, 20,000 of your favorite Sammamish neighbors – and fireworks lighting the sky for miles around!
You’ll want to be there, and the Review will help you make it easier by providing maps with parking locations and festival tips, all in a special pull-out section in next week’s paper. Bring your family, your friends, a blanket to spread on the lawn, a picnic basket with your best red, white and blue cupcakes, and come early for the music. Don’t forget to pack some patience as you walk/drive with the crowds.
Creating a party for 20,000 is no easy feat. Just ask Dawn Sanders, the city’s volunteer coordinator, who could still use more help (call 295-0556.) And it takes a lot of money- about $80,000 – to rent those toilets and sound equipment, make directional signs, buy balloons and hire the clowns and to pay for the grand fireworks show, the capper of any true Independence Day celebration.
Take note of the corporate sponsors who pay to have their name associated with this community event, and offset the taxpayer’s contributions. Microsoft has quietly contributed 25 grand, most likely as a tribute to its many employees who make their home in Sammamish. Other sponsors do what they can, and deserve your appreciation, too.
Be safe, be sane, but party Sammamish style. It’s year two, so now we can call it another great American tradition.
Fireworks have rules, too
Guidelines for fireworks in Sammamish are quite simple: You can’t.
It is illegal to possess or discharge fireworks in the city.
Officals said they take an “informational” approach rather than fining violators, but city law does provide for fines of $500 for possession and $1,000 for discharging fireworks.
Just another reason to go to Fourth on the Plateau.
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