Fireworks are banned in the city of Newcastle, but, as always, there is one place where residents can legally watch the pyrotechnic displays mostly associated with Independence Day.
The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration returns to Lake Boren Park this Saturday.
As the region experiences particularly dry conditions, now more than ever, city officials are pleading with citizens to heed the firework ban.
“Our fire and police departments recommend that people take advantage of the elaborate public firework displays around the region,” said Wendy Kirchner, Newcastle community activities liaison. “Please consider treating your family to a fun Fourth of July this year at Lake Boren Park.”
Residents can start filing into the park at 6 p.m. July 4, when vendors will begin selling food.
Neil Diamond tribute band Cherry Cherry will entertain the crowd from 8-10 p.m. Led by vocalist Steve Kelly, Cherry Cherry honors Diamond’s “timeless” music, according to the band’s website.
The fireworks show starts shortly after it gets dark, or at about 10 p.m.
AvalonBay, the developer of a new community at the north entrance to Newcastle, is the event’s title sponsor. The Golf Club at Newcastle and Waste Management also contributed to the event.
The city reminds residents to report illegal fireworks displays immediately by calling 911.
Concerts in the Park
On the webNewcastle News wants to see your photos from the Newcastle Fourth of July celebration at Lake Boren Park. Email your contact information and photos or video of your patriotic fun to newcastle@isspress.com, or contact us on Twitter (@NewcastleNewsWA) or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newcastlenewswa. On Twitter, tag your photos with #NewcastleFourth and we will retweet the best ones. We may feature your photos in an upcoming issue or on one of our social media platforms! |
Later this month, the city’s slate of summer events continues with its annual Concerts in the Park series.
For the second straight year, The Fabulous Roof Shakers, a blues band featuring artists from Seattle, Detroit and San Francisco, will kick off the concert series July 22.
Off the Hook, a classic funk and soul band, brings its brand of “old skool kool” to the park July 29, followed by vocalist Kellee Bradley on Aug. 5 and Soul Purpose, a soul and classic rock band, Aug. 12.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m., but attendees should get there early to take advantage of food vendors selling their offerings.
All concerts last about an hour and a half, and are at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way.
Newcastle Days
The city’s premier summer event is stretching to two days this year. Save the date for Newcastle Days, Sept. 11-12.
The day before the main Sept. 12 festival, the city will host “Broadway at Boren,” a theater production on the stage at Lake Boren Park, followed by a family fun concert featuring ’50s, ’60s and ’70’s music.
“Broadway at Boren” is meant to be a true community event, with Newcastle residents making up the onstage talent.
The city will host auditions for the Sept. 11 concert. Come prepared with a one-minute song from any Broadway show. Bring sheet music in the appropriate key; accompanist will be provided. No recordings or a cappella singing.
“We’re looking for groups, duets and solos,” Kirchner said. “Sing your favorite piece for auditions and maybe we’ll include it in the show.”
Auditions are from 7-9 p.m. July 29 at the Newcastle Library. Email broadwayatboren@gmail.com to reserve your time.
In addition to a parade, vendor booths, food and musical entertainment, the Newcastle Days car show will return to the festival Sept. 12. The pre-registration deadline is Sept. 1. The car show fee is only $10 for those that register by that date.
The fee increases to $15 the day of the car show. Registration information will be posted on the city of Newcastle website, www.ci.newcastle.wa.us, as the event draws closer.
Have questions about the city’s summer events? Contact Kirchner at wendyk@ci.newcastle.wa.us or 649-4444, ext. 142.