EVERETT—Everett Fourth of July Parade marking America’s 250th Independence Day drew at least 15,000 attendees thanks to efforts by volunteers of the Everett July Fourth Foundation led by Everett City Councilman Scott Bader and Jonathan Nelson. Hillside Roofing provided thousands of American flags that were handed out along the parade route.
“A big thank you, especially to The Laborers International Union of North America 292 (LiUNA 292),” Bader told the Lynnwood Times. “They came with like a dozen people to help out today.”
With 90 entrants, Bader said, this year marked the largest parade since the pandemic. Since January, he and about a half dozen core volunteers helped organize not only the parade but also a public Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence which Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Mayor Cassie Franklin participated.
“America’s 250th birthday is a time to celebrate our history, our freedom, and the promise of what’s ahead,” Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin told the Lynnwood Times. “Seeing Everett families, friends, and neighbors gathering together at our parade and festival gives me hope. Even when we don’t always agree, we share so much more than what divides us. Here’s to celebrating our independence, our community, and a bright future together. Happy Independence Day, Everett!”
On the day of the parade, another 30 volunteers helped with set-up, route, and logistics. City staff also helped especially with accommodating Lieutenant Governor Heck for which Bader was very grateful.
“Yeah, just the community owes a great debt of gratitude to a bunch of volunteers,” Bader said.
Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine, Everett City Councilmen Don Shwab and Luis Burbano, and State Reps. Julio Cortes and Mary Fosse were in the parade. Other elected officials were in attendance lining the parade route such as Everett Councilwoman Paula Rhyne.
The procession started at Colby Avenue and 25th Street, heads south to Wall Street, then travels north on Wetmore Avenue, concluding near 25th Street in downtown Everett.
The Parade Lineup included: Hillside Roofing, Everett NJROTC, Everett Police Department, Everett Police Volunteers, Don Schwab, Lt. Governor and Mayor, Everett Fire, Everett Firefighters Association, 9/11 Remembrance Event, North Sound Media, Job’s Daughters International, Peninsular Lodge #95 – Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, Milltown Credit Union, AMHS, Knights of Columbus, American Heritage Girls, Bayside Neighborhood Association, Applause Studio, Everett Little League, North Middle School Band, Baile Folklore Colibri, Camp Fire Snohomish County, Delta Garage, Coastal Realm Cheer, Everett Figure Skating Club, Everett AquaSox, Bright Star Children’s Montessori, For A Cure Northwest, Everett Timberwolves Youth Football and Cheer, Girl Scout Troop #46695, Kona Ice of Everett, 38th Legislative District Democrats, Nissan of Everett, Otter Chaos Robotics, Everett High School Robotics, Cast Iron Orcas, Marysville Strawberry Festival, Rainier Hearing, Salish Sea District Scouting America, Relay for Life Car Show, Ron May Towing, Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, League of Women Voters of Snohomish County, Everett Transit, Everett High Cheer, The Everett Royals, Marcus Whitman Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, Mariner Jr. Cheer, Mariner Jr. Football, Bright City Church, Everett Transit, ATU Local 883, Ukraine Defense Support, Everett Museum of History, Everett Rowing Association, VFW Post 2100, Everett FC / Everett Youth Soccer Club, Four Seasons Roofing & Remodel Services, Kindhearted Mini Therapy, Tomas Scheel for US Congress, Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop, Cascadia Pipe Band, Fallen Hero Banners of Snohomish County, Lighthouse Elementary Cooperative, Carl Gipson Center, Everett Christian School, Vibe Dance Studio, Osa Viking Ship, Down Syndrome Association of Snohomish County, Elect Brad Bender, Whitehorse Musicians Guild / Rock the Mountain Music Festival, Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA), Legacy Martial Arts, Northwest Barricade, and Oly’s Dance Sport Studio.
“For me, it’s always been about family and community,” Bader said when asked what July 4th means to him. “We’ve always gone to the parade even before we were doing it. We’ve always gone to the fireworks as well.”
When the pandemic ended, the City of Everett announced that it will not be able to hold the annual 4th of July Parade in 2022, citing budget and staffing issues as reasons. With drive and determination, the Everett July Fourth Foundation, a local nonprofit, lead an all-volunteer committee that returned the annual celebration of the birth of the Republic of the United States from the British Empire.
To volunteer and/or be part of the parade for 2027 visit https://sites.google.com/view/everettjuly4th/parade or email Everett4thofJulyparade@gmail.com.
Author: Mario Lotmore
