Issaquah outlines Front Street Fourth of July parade, community picnic; America250 planning noted

The Fourth of July commission briefed the Issaquah City Council on June 23 about this year's parade and community picnic, describing a downtown celebration on July 4 that commissioners said will also serve as planning practice for the nationwide America250 observances in 2026.

Paul Wintersteen, executive director of the Issaquah History Museums and chair of the Fourth of July commission, said the commission's role is advisory and that city staff and multiple departments are providing operational support. "This 2025 event ... is really this exercise is just a warm up, for planning the country's independence day celebration in 2026," Wintersteen said.

Wintersteen said the event will be a kids-and-pets parade on Front Street, rolling south from the Dogwood and Rainier Boulevard intersection to Sunset Way and beginning at 11 a.m.; parade participants are asked to arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the parade there will be a community picnic at the city park south of Sunset on the west side opposite the pool, with food trucks, yard games and music. He said families, organizations and companies are encouraged to pre-register on the city website but that walk-ups are welcome.

Wintersteen announced local Olympian Kiana Hunter, a 2024 Paris silver medalist in artistic swimming, as the parade grand marshal. He said Hunter will ride in a convertible provided by Evergreen Ford and will be available to meet attendees at the picnic. The commission noted support from the city's executive department coordinator, economic development staff, parks, police, public works, Eastside Fire & Rescue and volunteers including the Rotary and Councilmember Russell Joe, who will emcee the event.

Wintersteen closed by inviting the council and public to participate and by noting that details and online registration are available on the city website.