Celebrate America sticks with classics in Freeland

Jump around a bouncy house, sit for some face paint, listen to some live tunes, eye some reptiles and watch a fireworks display, all for free, in Freeland.

Jump around a bouncy house, sit for some face paint, listen to some live tunes, eye some reptiles and watch a fireworks display, all for free, in Freeland.

The annual Celebrate America festival, held a day before Independence Day, returns from the brink of not happening with a classic lineup of games, food, music and fireworks.

The July 3 festival starts at 2 p.m. with an inflatable bouncy house and face painting. Food vendors begin serving at 4 p.m. A half-hour later, the roads around Freeland Park close to traffic and shuttle service from the park and ride and the Island Transit bus stop at Payless Foods begins.

The public access boat ramp at the park is closed July 3 to limit traffic as Celebrate America organizers set up.

Entertainment includes a Celtic band, Maggie’s Fury, at 6 p.m. Reptile Man Scott Peterson shows off his collection of reptiles and amphibians at 7:20 p.m. A student-led worship band from Kirkland’s Northwest University plays at 8:40 p.m. Then, the bombs-a-bursting night sky show takes flight at 10 p.m., starting with a performance of the national anthem sung by a local barber shop quartet called Under the Radar.

Bring the family, lawn chairs, a blanket and enjoy the food and an evening of entertainment and fireworks.

For more information or to make a donation, call 360-221-1656 or visit www.swag-online.org.