Renton prepares for River Days parade and youth academy launch

Get ready for a weekend of excitement as the annual River Days parade is set to take over downtown Renton on Saturday, July 26, at 10 AM. The parade will make its way east down South Third Street from Shattuck Avenue South to Liberty Park, marking the start of a weekend filled with festivities, arts and crafts, and entertainment. For more details on River Days events, residents can visit rentonlaw.gov/riverdays.

In addition to the parade, the Renton Police Department is launching a four-day youth academy for 36 middle school students. This program offers a hands-on introduction to careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services through interactive activities and real-world simulations. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Renton Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, Newcastle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and the DEA.

During the meeting, audience member Alice Lockridge raised significant historical concerns, marking the 102nd anniversary of a Ku Klux Klan rally held in Renton. Lockridge highlighted the city's past discrimination and the implications of its history, urging the council to acknowledge these issues. She also pointed out a recent law in Washington State advocating for gender-neutral job titles, criticizing council members for using gendered titles in their remarks.

As the city prepares for River Days and engages with community concerns, residents are encouraged to stay informed about traffic impacts and road closures by visiting rentonlaw.gov/traffic. All projects are weather permitting, and streets will remain open unless otherwise noted.