Eatonville gearing up for Fourth of July festivities

Independence Day is just around the corner, and Eatonville is preparing for its annual Fourth of July celebrations.

The Eatonville Business Association is hosting its first Independence Day event this year, with some of the celebrations beginning on Sunday, and the rest taking place on Monday.

The Eatonville Independence Day celebrations began 21 years ago by Karen Woodcock and a few other community members. Karen Woodcock served on the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce, which organized the Independence Day celebrations before it dissolved in December of last year. Woodcock now serves as the Eatonville Business Association event coordinator.

Woodcock said the Independence Day celebrations have attracted about 7,000 people in previous years, and this year is no different, as the usual 7,000 people are expected to come.

In preparation for the festivities, the Eatonville Business Association has asked Life Flight to land around 4 p.m. Sunday. Vendors will be open for business by 5 p.m.

“We have quite a few food vendors this year, along with glow toys, T-shirts and bouncy houses for the kids,” Woodcock said.

Police, fire department and ambulance personnel will be on site with their vehicles for children to enjoy.

Sunday events, including fireworks, will take place from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Eatonville Middle School. The July 4 parade starts at noon downtown Monday.

Parking is always an issue during significant events in town, and this year’s parking will be at the Eatonville elementary and middle schools near the festivities. Woodcock said parking on the hill coming into town is not allowed for safety reasons.

Sunday’s events also include a raffle drawing. Raffle items are listed on the Eatonville Business Association’s website, https://eatonvillebusinessassociation.org. They are a Colman Powersports go-cart, Experience Eatonville basket and a Big Foot metal lawn art.