EVERETT, Wash., July 4, 2023—Thousands attended the Color of Freedom Fourth of July Parade in Everett that returned after a three-year hiatus.
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 for which Kerri Lonergan-Dreke, owner of Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant, is its President, along with former Everett City Councilman Scott Bader and Jonathan Nelson lead an all-volunteer committee that returned the annual celebration of the birth of the Republic of the United States from the British Empire.
“We are thrilled with the turnout at the parade,” Kerri Lonergan-Dreke, event Board Chair, told the Lynnwood Times. “Community engagement is what’s on the menu in 2023!”
Ryan Crowther and Twyla Lucas were also part of our dedicated board members who dedicated countless hours to making the parade possible. A total of fifty-six participants entered the parade.
According to the Color of Freedom website, the parade included favorite entries from years prior, as well as processions from local shops, drill or dance groups, marching bands, and government representatives. It aimed to celebrate and represent the values of freedom, dignity, and liberty for all people.
“We need to bring the spirit of the USA back,” Jeanie Nelson, a spectator, told the Lynnwood Times. “July 4th is about bringing the people together and celebrating the freedom of the country.”
To volunteer, be a sponsor, and/or participate in next year’s parade, visit www.everett4thofjuly.org.
Parade Pictures
Parade Participants
Below is the list of the 56 participants in the 2023 Fourth of July Parade in Everett:
- Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt & Drill Team
- Everett Police Department Motorcycle Unit
- Everett Police Department Honor Guard Everett Fire Department
- Everett High School JROTC
- Mayor Cassie Franklin
- Naval Station Everett Sea Cadet Corps
- Everett Aquasox
- Everett Little League
- Procura Mortgage
- Fallen Heroes Banners of Snohomish County
- Bible Way Church
- Peninsular Lodge #95 Free and Accepted Masons of Washington Snohomish & Island County Labor Council
- Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
- Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue – Kids Copter
- Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue – 4×4 or hovercraft
- Miss Aquafest
- Re-elect Adam Fortney for Snohomish County Sheriff
- Everett Timberwolves Football and Cheer
- Jung Do Taikwando
- Salish Sea District Boy Scouts of America
- GPYFA Cheer
- Everett Rowing Association
- VOA Carl Gipson Center
- Marshallese Association of North Puget Sound
- Committee to elect Mary Anderson for Judge
- Everett Transit
- Everett High School Cheer
- Everett Youth Soccer Club
- Community Ice Rink~Angel of The Winds Arena
- NW Barradade
- Applause Studio
- FRC 4512 Otter Chaos
- Everett HS – Cast Iron
- Orcas Everett Film Festival
- Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Troop 46695
- Kennedy24.com
- Seattle Hand Drummers Modern Home Furniture
- Pushwater Construction Services PCS
- Everett Lacrosse Club
- Cascade HS Cheer
- MukFest Pirates of Salish Seas
- Gold Dust Royalty Pageant
- Snohomish County PUD’s 1936 Line Truck
- Everett Plaza Assisted Living
- Oly’s Dancesport Studio
- North Sound Media dba KRKO & KXA Radio
- Triple B Foundation for Pet Therapy
- Bella Dolche Salon and Spa
- Brooklyn Brothers Pizza
- Jackson HS – Jack in the Bots
- Washington Blues Society
- United States of America Pageants
- The Cakewalk Shop
- Burned Children Recovery Foundation
- American Heritage Girls
- Vibe Dance Studio
Author: Mario Lotmore
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